B.Tech student from Arunachal found dead in Kerala; Minister promises probe as students blame credits-based ‘year back’ system
State Higher Education Minister said around 20 students of the college were facing difficulties following the Kerala Technology University’s recent decision to allow only students who score 22 credits in Semester 4 to proceed to the next semester
A 20-year-old B.Tech student from Arunachal Pradesh, Michi Marpu, was discovered dead in Kothamangalam, Kerala, in what appears to be a suicide, prompting protests from students and prompting the State government to initiate an investigation. Marpu, a third-year engineering student at Mar Athanasius College of Engineering (MACE) in Kothamangalam, was found dead at his rented residence on Saturday, August 15, 2026. Friends rushed him to Kothamangalam Taluk Hospital, where he was pronounced dead upon arrival.
A group of students alleged that Marpu was distressed over the 'year break system' implemented by MACE, which required students to score 22 credits in Semester 4 to progress to the next semester. The protesting students claimed that other engineering colleges in the State only require a minimum of 18 credits for continuation. The Kothamangalam police registered a case under Section 194 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS) for unnatural death and launched an investigation.
Marpu's body is currently at the Government Taluk Hospital in Kothamangalam, with an inquest and postmortem scheduled for Sunday, August 16, 2026, once his relatives arrive.
State Higher Education Minister Roji M. John expressed that a thorough investigation will be conducted into the circumstances leading to the student's death. He also announced a department-level inquiry alongside the police investigation. The Minister noted that the Kerala Technology University had recently put a hold on the 'year back' system, and all colleges affiliated with the university should adhere to this decision.
However, MACE decided to continue with the system despite being asked to reconsider, as it is an autonomous college. The government has limitations in interfering with academic decisions of autonomous colleges, and it is essential for institutions to consider the future and safety of students when making such decisions, according to the Minister.
The Student Federation of India (SFI) demanded a comprehensive probe into Marpu's death. Assistance for overcoming suicidal thoughts is available through the State's health helpline (104), Sneha's suicide prevention helpline (0484-2540530), Thanal Suicide Prevention Centre (0495-2760000), and DISHA (1056).
Written by urgent.news from The Hindu's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
This story
This is one outlet's version. Read the fullest account.
