IIT-Palakkad Student Assault: Kerala Police Record Victim's Statement in Coimbatore Hospital
In a significant development in the assault case at IIT-Palakkad, the Kasaba police from Kerala have recorded a detailed statement from the female engineering student who was attacked on campus. The student, who underwent surgery for a forehead injury, is currently recuperating in the general ward of a private medical college hospital located at SITRA on Avinashi Road in Coimbatore city.
Police Investigation and Victim's Account
A team from the Kasaba police station in Palakkad visited the private hospital on Tuesday to meet with the student and document her account of the incident. According to official sources, the victim informed investigators that she had observed a person wearing a blue shirt on the day of the assault. Despite the presence of CCTV cameras in various parts of the campus, the specific stretch where the attack occurred lacked surveillance coverage, complicating the investigation.
Police authorities suspect that the perpetrator may be someone from within the campus community, given the circumstances of the attack. Palakkad district police chief Ajith Kumar personally visited the IIT-Palakkad campus to oversee the ongoing investigation. He confirmed that CCTV footage is being meticulously examined to identify any leads. "A special team has been formed, and efforts are on to arrest the accused," Kumar stated, emphasizing the urgency of the case.
Details of the Incident and Institute Response
According to a press release issued by IIT-Palakkad, the assault took place around 7 PM on February 23. A group of students was walking from the Dr APJ Abdul Kalam Block to the Kedaram Mess Block when the incident occurred. "A final-year BTech girl student, who was slightly behind the group, was suddenly attacked by an unidentified person. She sustained an injury to her forehead. She couldn't identify the assailant," the release explained.
The institute's medical officer promptly arrived at the scene to administer first aid before transporting the student to a nearby private hospital. A subsequent CT scan revealed a head injury, necessitating her referral to the private medical college hospital in Coimbatore for specialized treatment. The press release assured that the student is currently in stable condition and recovering well, with her parents by her side to provide support.
Security Measures and Legal Actions
In response to the incident, the Kasaba police have conducted a thorough inspection of the crime scene and officially registered a First Information Report (FIR) to formalize the investigation. Meanwhile, IIT-Palakkad has announced immediate steps to enhance campus security, including:
- Installing additional CCTV cameras across the campus to improve surveillance coverage.
- Increasing security patrols to deter future incidents and ensure student safety.
- Advising students to utilize campus transport services for safer mobility, especially during evening hours.
These measures aim to prevent similar occurrences and restore a sense of security among the student community. The investigation continues as authorities work diligently to apprehend the suspect and bring justice to the victim.
