Thiruvananthapuram/New Delhi | The NCW has taken up the death of a 21-year-old medical student from Kerala in Uzbekistan on its own and sought a report from the state police.

The National Commission for Women (NCW) said it has registered a case on its own based on media reports regarding the death of Sawariya Basanth, a native of Haripad, a statement issued on Sunday said.

Basanth, a student of the Bukhara State Medical Institute in Uzbekistan, allegedly died after being attacked by another student, Sadarul Anam, a native of Malappuram.

Anam has reportedly been detained by the authorities in Uzbekistan, while the Kerala Police have also registered a case in connection with the incident.

The Commission expressed grave concern over allegations of physical assault, harassment and attempted forced religious conversion preceding the student's death.

According to the statement, the NCW has written to the Kerala Director General of Police seeking an expeditious investigation, coordination with the Ministry of External Affairs and the Indian Embassy in Tashkent, preservation of evidence, examination of available legal and extradition mechanisms, and comprehensive support for the bereaved family.

The Commission has sought an Action Taken Report (ATR) from the Kerala DGP within seven days.

The NCW also requested the Ambassador of India to Uzbekistan to extend all necessary assistance and facilitate coordination with the concerned authorities to support the legal process and ensure effective cooperation in the matter.

Meanwhile, the Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP) expressed grief over the student's death and demanded that the case be investigated by the National Investigation Agency (NIA).

In a statement, the ABVP alleged that, based on information available in the public domain, the student had been subjected to sustained pressure for religious conversion before her death.

The organisation claimed the incident raised concerns about an organised conspiracy and urged the NIA to investigate all aspects of the case, including any possible organised network, financial linkages and international connections.

The ABVP also urged the Ministry of External Affairs to coordinate with the Indian Embassy in Uzbekistan and the authorities there to ensure that the accused is brought to justice through diplomatic and legal channels.

Sawariya's body was brought to Kerala and was handed over to relatives after a postmortem held at Alappuzha Medical College.