Amuthan (19), from Kallakurichi, was studying in his third year at a private engineering college in the Othakal Mandapam area of Coimbatore. While staying in the college hostel and studying there, he is said to have assaulted a cook working there. As a result, he was suspended from the college hostel. He later stayed in his friends’ room. Meanwhile, along with his friends, he is said to have gone wearing masks to a rented house in the Poonkarnagar area where second-year students were staying, threatened them with a knife, and snatched their mobile phones.
It has come to light to second-year students that Amuthan was one of those involved. Following this, when Amuthan and his friend went to the college yesterday morning, they were identified.
It is said that both were then taken to the ground behind the college and severely assaulted. After returning to his room, Amuthan experienced shortness of breath and was taken to the hospital for treatment. Amuthan died at the hospital despite treatment.
Based on a complaint filed by Amuthan’s friend, the Chettipalayam police have registered a case and are investigating. In connection with this incident, the police have detained five college students and are questioning them. Preliminary investigations have revealed that Amuthan died in a retaliatory attack carried out in response to the assault and snatching of mobile phones. Further intensive investigation is under way to identify the other persons involved in the incident. This incident has caused shock among the local residents.
