Suicide bid over ragging in Cochin University of Science and Technology
Kochi: A first-year civil engineering student at the Cochin University of Science and Technology (CUSAT) on Tuesday allegedly attempted suicide after he was beaten up by seniors for attending classes during a strike. Mohamed Sherin, a native of Kuttiyadi in Kozhikode, cut veins in his hand after a group of third-year students threatened to subject him to further ragging and was admitted to a nearby hospital. However, the hospital authorities said his condition was not serious. “We’ve taken his statement and charged five students, including four named by him, for the assault,” said S. Jayakrishnan, the Kalamassery circle inspector.
“The ragging charges could be added only after getting a report from the head of the department. We’ve asked the registrar to submit the same, and he agreed to give us the report by Wednesday,” added Mr Jayakrishnan, the Kalamassery circle inspector. Hospital sources and that the wound required only two stitches. CUSAT registrar David Peter told this newspaper that he had sought the principal of the School of Engineering to submit a report immediately.
On the allegations of ragging, the registrar said he would be able to comment only after getting the report. Mr Peter, however, said clashes took place between students owing allegiance to different student organisations. Meanwhile, the union leaders denied the charges and termed the incident as a “drama”. “He is the cousin of one of the accused in a case related to earlier clashes, and the drama is staged to force the college authorities to stop the disciplinary proceedings against his cousin,” said Jibin, SFI unit secretary.
In his statement to police, Mr Sherin said a group of nearly 25 students came to the class on Friday during the strike, and he was thrashed publicly in front of teachers and other classmates. “However, there were reports that it’s a political issue, and part of the clashes between students owing allegiance to different outfits,” police said.
The Cusat vice-chancellor declared a holiday for the School of Engineering till further orders and postponed all exams scheduled for Wednesday. The university has also asked BTech students to vacate the hostel rooms given the tense situation. Further clashes were reported later in the day even as a section protested before the Kalamassery police station demanding strict action against the senior students.
