Prof. K. K. Abdul Gafar, the Sole Witness of the Rajan Case, Passes Away

In Kasaragod, located in India's Kerala state, Prof. K. K. Abdul Gafar, the sole witness of the famous Rajan case and the victim's teacher, passed away at the age of 89. According to a statement made by his relatives, the former faculty member had long been battling various age-related ailments. His death means the loss of one of the last living witnesses who vividly remembers the years when the state of emergency was declared, an extremely sensitive period in India's political history. Prof. Gafar's passing has created a significant void, particularly among human rights advocates and historians. The people of Kerala received the news of the respected educator's death with profound sorrow.

The Rajan case is known as one of the most shocking human rights violations that occurred during India's state of emergency. A young engineering student named Rajan disappeared without a trace after being taken into police custody. Prof. Abdul Gafar held a special place in history as one of the last people to see Rajan alive and as a direct witness to the incident. After Rajan was taken by the police and brought to the Kakkayam camp, Gafar went there as a college representative and closely monitored his student's situation. His memories and testimony were of critical importance in the progression of the case.

Prof. K. K. Abdul Gafar was recognized not only for his crucial role in the Rajan case but also for his long, successful academic career. He served for many years as a faculty member in the Mechanical Engineering department at REC (Regional Engineering College) in Kozhikode, inspiring countless students. Additionally, having taught at TKM College in Kollam, Gafar rose to the position of Principal at Bhatkal Engineering College, demonstrating his leadership qualities. His passion for education was not confined to India; he also undertook significant projects internationally. In this regard, he was always respected by his colleagues as both an academician and a visionary.

The late academician's international career possessed an impressive diversity, having served in numerous countries. He acted as an active member of an Indian delegation established in Aden, Yemen, with the aim of contributing to the region's educational development. In addition, he was among the founders of the Gulf Medical College in Ajman and achieved significant structural successes as an administrative director at the same institution. He proved his technical expertise by working as an engineer at Saudi Arabia's world-renowned oil company, Aramco. His mastery of two distinct disciplines, as both an engineer and an educator, proved that he was a multifaceted personality.

Prof. Gafar, who was also a talented writer and educator, garnered great acclaim, particularly for his autobiography "Njaan Saakshi" (I Am a Witness). This book holds great importance as it reveals not only his own life story but also historical details regarding the inside of the Rajan case. The fact that the legendary former Indian cricket captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni promoted and launched the book helped it reach a wide audience and generate significant public reaction. Gafar, who lived with his wife Ummul Barkat Jamila and four children, always stood out for his love towards his family and society. The rich academic legacy and courageous stance in the pursuit of justice left behind by the Professor will continue to be remembered with gratitude by future generations for many years to come.