Augustine Akash is nursing the scars of the September 9 clashes at the college
Students of Presidency College stage a sit in stir on Tuesday for over 2 hours pressing a 10-point charter of demands including release of students arrested for indulging in violence on September 9 and reinstating previous principal Prof Mohammed
Chennai: Augustine Akash, who is in the hospital at the Reconstructive Surgery at the Rajiv Gandhi Government General Hospital, is nursing the scars of the September 9 clashes, at the Presidency College. A day after the college reopened, he is surrounded by concerned friends and family who update him of the college. Augustine (19), who received injuries on his hand, has made up his mind not to go back to the campus. His worried mother has decided not to send him to any college at all.
Recounting the incident, Augustine said: “As usual, I boarded the 8.15 am bus (route No. 29A) on September 9 and reached college on time. Coming to know that the first period had been cancelled, I planned to obtain a DD to pay the next semester fee. As the bank had not yet opened, I decided to munch something at the college canteen. While I was eating, a group of about 15 boys approached me and asked whether I had travelled by bus 29A.”
“The moment I said yes, they started attacking me with a big knife,” he continues hesitantly.
“I immediately blocked it with my left palm, which was severely cut. I realised that these students commuted by the 6D bus routes. There are often verbal clashes between the students travelling in both the buses, but I didn’t expect the enmity to go to this extent,” Augustine added.
With no clue on what was happening around him, Augustine said he just closed his eyes and sat down. “I didn’t even know whether the students attacked me with any weapon or beat with their hands after that,” added this second year economics student, who wished to do MA Economics or B.L., after his graduation.
“Augustine is my only son, after two daughters. His father died when I was expecting him. I do dishes in other people’s homes to earn enough to ensure my children’s education. Both my daughters are graduates and now I work to ensure Augustine gets his degree. But now, it is enough, I want him to live,” said Maria Rose, Augustine’s mother.
It is early to say, when he would be discharged, but Augustine’s friends wish him a speedy recovery.
( Source : dc )
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