Chennai engineering college student found dead in well

A first year student T. Abinath of Perambalur, studying in Sairam Engineering College in West Tambaram, was found dead in a well on the college campus here on Friday.

The college authorities claimed that the student had committed suicide because he did not want to study engineering and was forced into it by his parents. “Abinath had dreams of becoming a doctor and was a bright boy. Since he was unable to study medicine, he was disappointed. He had a few arrears in his first semester. He was stressed and had taken this unfortunate decision. It is sad. I don’t know how the college management can be held responsible,” said Saiprakash Leo Muthu, CEO, Sairam Group of Institutions.

He appealed to the people not to believe the rumours circulating on social media.

The incident comes barely months after the students of the college protested against the management alleging that they were being subjected to harsh, ultra-conservative rules. The students expressed doubts over the management’s version of Abinath’s death.

“The college hostel is run by campus director Balu, who has a reputation for ill-treating and manhandling students. Also, we weren’t told what had happened when we were asked to leave. The management told us that there was an inspection from Anna University. Also, some of us were told that there was a bomb scare. We have no faith in the college management,” said a second year student on condition of anonymity.

P. Gautham, one of the victim’s roommates, claimed that Abinath was visibly upset since Thursday night after the warden had questioned him for leaving the premises without permission a couple of days ago.