BTech student loses vision after assault by outsiders during Kerala college fest

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: A second-year BTech student allegedly lost vision in his left eye after being assaulted during a college fest at a private engineering college in Venjaramoodu, prompting police to register a case against four persons, who can be identified.

Al Ameen (21), a second-year computer science student hailing from Sreekariyam, suffered severe injuries to both eyes during the college festival event held on May 24. The incident came to public attention after videos of the assault surfaced on social media.

According to police sources, a group of outsiders entered the campus through a gate near the mosque during a programme organized to honour the alumni, which featured cultural performances by the students. A clash reportedly broke out between the visitors and students, during which Ameen was attacked.

The student sustained serious injuries to the retina and cornea of his left eye and underwent an emergency surgery. He is currently undergoing treatment at the Govt Medical College Hospital. He lost vision in his left eye and may require further specialized treatment.

“I was hit directly in the eye with a hard bangle-like object. The people who attacked me were not students of the college. They appeared to be under the influence of alcohol and drugs,” Ameen said.

Venjaramoodu police have registered a case against four persons - three of them have been identified as Shivajith, Nithin and Kashinath. A police source said that the attack was carried out by a drunken gang. No arrests have been made so far, drawing criticism from students and residents after visuals of the assault became public.

Ameen’s brother Ajmal alleged that a local gang entered the campus armed with weapons, including knives, and assaulted students. He claimed several other students were also injured in the violence.

Police said CCTV footage and videos of the incident have been collected as part of the investigation.

“We have secured CCTV visuals and other video evidence. The accused appear to be locals. Efforts are under way to identify and apprehend all those involved,” a police officer said.

Questions have also been raised over the lack of security arrangements and police presence during the event. Allegations have surfaced that college authorities failed to prevent outsiders from entering the campus.

Police said further investigation is progressing.