Police investigate death of university student

Thiruvallam police have launched an investigation into the death of a 19-year-old college student who allegedly committed suicide soon after being suspended from his college.

Bijith Kumar, 18, son of Biju and Dalimol from Kaithavila near Vellar, was found hanging in a bathroom of his house on Friday. He is said to have taken this drastic measure after being suspended from classes for appearing drunk during class hours.

The deceased was a first-year student of Electrical and Electronics Engineering at MG College of Engineering and Polytechnic, Vandithadam. The institution had initiated disciplinary action against five students, including Bijith, for allegedly consuming alcohol.

After the incident, the relatives of the deceased brought the body to the college and protested, alleging that Bijith was subjected to harassment by being forcibly fed alcohol by other students of the college.

Education Minister V. Sivankutty, who visited the family at home on Sunday, assured the family of legal assistance in the matter.

(Suicide Prevention Hotline: DISHA – 1056, 0471-2552056) (EOM)