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A 20-year-old engineering student from Arunachal Pradesh, who was studying at Mar Athanasius College of Engineering (MACE) in Kothamangalam in Ernakulam, was found dead in his rented room on August 15. The student, Michi Marpu, was a native of Naharlagun in Arunachal Pradesh's Papum Pare district.
As per reports, Michi Marpu was found dead around 4.30 pm at his rented house, and though he was rushed to the Kothamangalam Taluk Hospital by students, he was declared brought dead.
The Kothamangalam police have registered a case of unnatural death and are investigating.
Michi Marpu's death sparked protests on campus regarding strict academic credit policies. The campus witnessed a massive student protest on Sunday, August 16, led by the Students Federation of India (SFI).
Students and student union leaders alleged that MACE, an autonomous institution, enforced a stringent ‘year-back’ rule that required students to earn 22 credits in Semester 4 to proceed to the next semester. They argued that this requirement was more than the 18-credit minimum used by other state colleges under the Kerala Technological University (KTU).
The protesting students demanded the withdrawal of the year-back system, relief to students who were stopped from proceeding to the fifth semester because of it, a reduction in examination fees, and regular monthly college council meetings. They also demanded that a separate grievance redressal and counselling cell be set up for students from other states. Following a talk with students, the college management accepted the demands.
“When we spoke to college authorities, they informed us that they will proceed in accordance with the university’s norms and regulations,” Roji M John told the media on Monday, August 17. He also said, the decision regarding the introduction of the year-back system from the 2024 batch onwards was taken by the KTU’s Board of Studies in 2024.
“The 5th semester of the 2024 batch falls in 2026. It was at this point that many students began facing difficulties and issues related to this decision,” he said.
State Higher Education Minister Roji M John said a proper investigation will be conducted into the circumstances that led to the death of the student. Along with the police investigation, a department-level inquiry will also be ordered into the incident, he said.
Michi Marpu’s postmortem examination will also be conducted at Kalamassery Medical College in Ernakulam on Monday, August 17.
If you are aware of anyone facing mental health issues or feeling suicidal, please provide help. Here are some helpline numbers of suicide-prevention organisations that can offer emotional support to individuals and families.
Tamil Nadu
State health department's suicide helpline: 104
Sneha Suicide Prevention Centre - 044-24640050 (listed as the sole suicide prevention helpline in Tamil Nadu)
Andhra Pradesh
Life Suicide Prevention: 78930 78930
Roshni: 9166202000, 9127848584
Karnataka
Sahai (24-hour): 080 65000111, 080 65000222
Kerala
Maithri: 0484 2540530
Chaithram: 0484 2361161
Both are 24-hour helpline numbers.
Telangana
State government's suicide prevention (tollfree): 104
Roshni: 040 66202000, 6620200
SEVA: 09441778290, 040 27504682 (between 9 am and 7 pm
Aasara offers support to individuals and families during an emotional crisis, for those dealing with mental health issues and suicidal ideation, and to those undergoing trauma after the suicide of a loved one.
24x7 Helpline: 9820466726
Click here for working helplines across India.
