A third year Civil Engineering student is battling for life after sustaining grievous head injuries in an accident that took place on the campus of the College of Engineering, Thiruvananthapuram (CET) on Wednesday.
The injured student has been identified as Thesni Basheer, who hails from Vazhikkadavu in Nilambur, Malappuram.
The incident occurred around 4.10 p.m. on Wednesday when she was run over by a jeep driven by a student during a procession taken out as part of the Onam celebrations organised by the men’s hostel union at CET.
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According to eyewitnesses, the procession involved nearly 300 students entering the college premises on a lorry, two open jeeps and several motorcycles through the exit gate. The mishap occurred near a pedestal meant for flagpoles. The victim was believed to have been headed for the girl’s hostel, nearly 100 metres away, when she was hit by the jeep which came from behind. She was soon rushed to a private hospital here where she remained in a critical state.
While the incident occurred a day ago, it came under public attention only by Thursday with the condition of the victim worsening.
Soon the government sprang into action by setting up an investigating team led by Medical College Circle Inspector Sheen Tharayil. Deputy Commissioner of Police K. Sanjay Kumar Gurudin is supervising the probe.
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The investigating team arrived at the campus to record the statements of the college authorities, security personnel and others. According to Mr. Gurudin, a case has been registered under Section 307 (Attempt to murder) of the Indian Penal Code on the basis of the statements of the victim’s relatives.
“The driver of the vehicle and others who were present at the time of the accident have all been identified. However, it remained to be ascertained whether the case could be considered as an unintended accident or a culpable homicide not amounting to murder. The final number of accused persons could only be decided after examining all evidences through a thorough probe,” he said.
Meanwhile, the college authorities have decided to suspend 12 students, who were the organisers of the Onam celebrations. A three-member inquiry committee led by the faculty has also been constituted by the college to probe the incident and recommend further action. CET Principal J. David said the students had violated the rules of the institution by conducting a procession within the campus. They had been granted permission to organise celebrations only on the premises of the men’s hostel, he claimed.