INDIA: A 22-year-old BTech student from Mizoram was tragically stabbed to death near his college in Thiruvananthapuram. The victim, identified as Valentine, was a student at Rajadhani Institute of Engineering & Technology in Nagaroor. The incident occurred late on Saturday night, around 10:30 pm, at a junction approximately 200 meters away from the college campus. Locals who witnessed the attack alerted the authorities, and the injured student was first taken to a nearby hospital before being transferred to KIMS Hospital. Despite medical intervention, Valentine succumbed to his injuries on Sunday morning.
According to the police, a batchmate, also from Mizoram, has been taken into custody in connection with the stabbing. Preliminary investigations suggest that the two students had a history of altercations, often fueled by alcohol consumption. The situation may have escalated into the fatal confrontation. Sources report that the students were frequently involved in disputes, which had previously led to their expulsion from the college hostel. Police confirmed that the suspect was apprehended at the crime scene shortly after the incident.
This tragic event has raised concerns about growing campus violence in Kerala, with several student clashes turning deadly in recent years. In addition to political rivalries, personal conflicts have increasingly been linked to violent incidents on college campuses. This includes the recent murders of students involved in different political student organizations, highlighting the escalating tension within educational institutions in the state.
The state government has been under pressure to address the rising violence and ensure student safety on campuses. Statistics from the Kerala State Assembly show a sharp increase in student-related violence, with 500 cases registered between May 2016 and June 2024, including three murders. The report reveals that student organizations like SFI (student wing of CPI(M)) and KSU (Congress-affiliated student body) were primarily responsible for many of these violent incidents. As investigations into Valentine’s murder continue, authorities are closely examining the underlying factors contributing to this alarming trend.
