Death of Arunachal student in Keralam: student protest called off as college management accepts demands
College management announces that the minimum credit requirement for registration to the fifth semester will be in accordance with the regulations of the KTU and government orders; assures financial assistance to family of the deceased
A 20-year-old BTech student, Michi Marpu, from Arunachal Pradesh, died on August 15 while staying at a rented residence in Kothamangalam, where the Mar Athanasius College of Engineering (MACE) is located. This incident sparked a student protest at the college on August 18, 2026. The protest erupted because students believed that the year-end system imposed by the college was unfair and that only students scoring 22 credits in the fourth semester could proceed to the next semester, while other engineering colleges affiliated with the APJ Abdul Kalam Technological University (KTU) only required 18 credits.
The management of MACE, recognizing the students' concerns, agreed to an internal inquiry into the incident and conceded to other demands raised by the protesters. These demands included revising the minimum credit requirement for registration in the fifth semester to align with KTU and government orders, fixing the 'Save-a-Year' examination fee at ₹1,000, and providing financial assistance to Michi Marpu's family.
An internal inquiry committee was formed, comprising representatives from the management, teachers, and students, and it is expected to submit its report within a week. During the inquiry, the head of the Department of Civil Engineering and the KTU coordinator of the college will not participate in their duties.
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