A tragic incident unfolded in Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, where a 22-year-old BTech student from Mizoram, identified as Valentine, was fatally stabbed near his college, Rajadhani Institute of Engineering and Technology in Nagaroor. The police have taken into custody a fellow student from Mizoram in connection with the crime.
The fatal stabbing occurred around 10:30 PM on Saturday, February 22, at a junction approximately 200 meters from the college campus. Locals who witnessed the attack immediately alerted the authorities. The injured student was rushed to a nearby hospital and later transferred to KIMS Hospital, where he succumbed to his injuries on Sunday morning.
Motive Behind the Stabbing
Preliminary police investigations suggest that the stabbing incident was the result of an altercation between the two students. Sources indicate that both individuals had a history of disputes, often fueled by alcohol consumption. Their frequent conflicts had previously led to both students being expelled from the college hostel.
The police confirmed that the suspect was apprehended at the crime scene, and further investigations are underway to determine the exact sequence of events that led to the attack.
Rising Campus Violence in Kerala
The murder of the Mizoram student in Kerala adds to a growing list of campus violence cases in the state. While some of these incidents stem from political rivalries, personal disputes among students have also escalated into fatal altercations.
Kerala has witnessed several high-profile student murders in recent years:
- Abhimanyu Murder Case – Abhimanyu, an SFI leader from Maharaja’s College in Kochi, was fatally stabbed in 2018, allegedly by members of the banned Islamic group Popular Front’s student wing, Campus Front.
- P. Dheeraj Case – SFI leader from Idukki Engineering College, P. Dheeraj, was stabbed to death, reportedly by KSU activists.
- KS Sidharthan Case – KS Sidharthan, a student of Kerala Veterinary and Animal Sciences University in Wayanad, died due to a ragging-related incident involving SFI members.
Campus Violence Statistics in Kerala
According to official reports presented in the Kerala State Assembly, student-related violence has surged since 2016. Between May 2016 and June 2024, police recorded:
- 500 cases of campus violence, including three student murders.
- 270 cases linked to SFI (CPI(M)-affiliated) activists.
- 112 cases involving KSU (Congress-affiliated) activists.
- Additional cases involving ABVP, MSF, AISF, and Campus Front.
- 3,183 students have been charged in various violence-related cases in the past nine years.
These statistics highlight the increasing unrest and safety concerns within Kerala’s educational institutions.
Growing Concern Over Student Safety
The fatal stabbing of the Mizoram student has reignited discussions on student safety in Kerala. Despite the stringent laws and disciplinary measures implemented by colleges, campus violence continues to escalate.
The authorities are now under pressure to:
- Strengthen security measures in and around educational institutions.
- Ensure strict action against student-related violence to prevent future incidents.
- Implement more effective conflict resolution mechanisms to address disputes before they turn violent.
Investigation and Next Steps
As the investigation into Valentine’s murder continues, the Kerala Police are focusing on:
- Examining CCTV footage from the area to reconstruct the events.
- Questioning witnesses and fellow students to gather more details.
- Understanding the history of disputes between the victim and the accused.
Authorities are also evaluating whether existing measures to curb campus violence need further reinforcement to prevent similar tragedies in the future.
The stabbing of the Mizoram student in Kerala serves as a stark reminder of the growing issue of campus violence. While Kerala has long been known for its high literacy rate and robust educational infrastructure, the rise in student-related crimes has raised concerns about safety and law enforcement in colleges.
With over 500 cases of student violence reported in the past nine years, urgent action is needed to address the root causes of campus conflicts and ensure that educational institutions remain safe spaces for students. As investigations into Valentine’s murder continue, the incident underscores the need for better conflict resolution strategies and stronger campus security measures across Kerala.
