College of Engineering Thiruvananthapuram revellers knock down student

Thiruvananthapuram: In what seemed to be a repetition of an infamous accident that rattled College of Engineering Thiruvananthapuram (CET) campus in 2002, a third year girl student was critically injured after being mowed down by a jeep driven by her college mates who were part of Onam revellery inside the campus on Wednesday.

The civil engineering student identified as Thasni Basheer, 20, of Malappuram underwent three surgeries of the brain and is on a life support system at a private hospital.  

The mishap happened at 3.30 pm in front of the main building when two roofless jeeps and mini lorry filled with revellers entered the campus flouting restrictions, as part of a procession.

As per witnesses, the jeep allegedly driven by seventh semester student Baiju of Kannur had around a dozen students. It tilted violently on a curve in front of the building, sped a few meters ahead and hit Thasni from behind.

Her head hit the ground violently and she suffered a concussion and blood also oozed out. As per the police version, the revellers and staff took her to a hospital in a vehicle belonging to ISER. Hospital officials said that blood clots had formed in her brain.

College officials reported the incident to police only after 8.30pm. The driver went absconding and police rounded up a few occupants and have registered a case under IPC section 307 for attempted murder. A parallel inquiry commission was appointed by the college.

Around 12 office bearer of the College hostel Union which organised the Onam function were suspended for bringing vehicles into the campus without permission.

In 2002, Amita Shankar, a fourth semester student was killed by a speeding bike inside the campus.

Norms violated

The mishap on the CET campus would have been avoided had the Onam celebrations been conducted as per regulations which restrict vehicles inside the campus.

Also, the jeep KBF 7268 was hardly roadworthy when it sped inside the campus with close to a dozen people on board, and some standing near the driver blocking the windshield.

Even before the bike mishap that killed Amita Shankar in 2002, vehicles of students were banned from venturing onto the campus. The security men were to ensure that vehicles are parked at the entrance and students walk up to the college.

“Guards say they are often threatened by students and there are a couple of open jeeps which often speed outside the campus. The security men here were not adequately empowered as they belong to a private firm,” said CET principal J. David.

The old jeep was sort of common property for most pupils of the college men's hostel, sources said. The college authorities had handed over the CCTV footage and the police is yet to take hold of the hard disk.

Though the college has around eight surveillance cameras, the accident has not reportedly been clearly recorded owing to hindrances like trees.

“College Hostel Union members had sought the permission for Onam celebration as college was to remain closed for 10 days from Friday. College inquiry committee is expected to submit a report in two weeks but best efforts will be taken to complete inquiry in two days,” the principal added.

The Shangumugham assistant commissioner Jawahar Janard said the IPC Section 307 was pressed on students who were travelling on the jeep until an inquiry proves otherwise.

Relatives of Thansi had alleged lapses from college for failing to report the matter to police on time.

However the college contests that there were shortage of staff to coordinate the matter with the police as the office had closed for the day before the matter came to their notice.