Former Congress President Rahul Gandhi on Saturday, November 25, expressed shock over the death of four students in a stampede during a college fest at Cochin University of Science and Technology (CUSAT), and urged the Kerala government to provide best medical treatment to the injured.
In a post on Facebook, Rahul Gandhi, who is the Lok Sabha MP from Wayanad in Kerala, said, "Deeply shocked and saddened by the tragic stampede incident at CUSAT in Kochi that has claimed the lives of four students and left many injured. My heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families. May they find strength in this difficult time. I wish a speedy recovery to those injured, and I urge the government of Kerala to provide them with the best medical care."
Rahul’s remarks came after at least four students died while 46 others were left injured in a stampede during a musical concert organised as part of the Tech Fest at CUSAT on Saturday evening. The deceased students have been identified as Athul Thampi from Koothattukulam, Ann Rifta from North Paravur, Sarah Thomas from Thamarassery and Albin Joseph from Palakkad. Of the 46 injured, the condition of 10 is reported to be critical. The injured are undergoing treatment at the state-run Medical College and Hospital at Kalamassery.
While initial reports stated that a sudden downpour caused students to rush into the amphitheatre to take shelter, it has now emerged that people rushing into the amphitheatre just before the event and overcrowding at the single entrance gate could have led to the stampede. According to reports, students who wanted to attend the concert were given passes to enter the auditorium, but even those without passes rushed in resulting in a stampede.