Uncompromising year-back system took Arunachal native's life; Probe likely against Kothamangalam college suicide

KOTHAMANGALAM: Arunachal Pradesh native Michi Marpu (20), who arrived in Kerala with the dream of becoming an engineer, ended his life on Friday. Marpu, a student of M. A. Engineering College, committed suicide on Friday after losing a semester due to the management's uncompromising year-back policy.

His father, Michi Duma and a close relative reached Kothamangalam on Sunday evening. They will receive the body after the postmortem at Kalamassery Medical College on Monday and take it back to their homeland.

Police said that Marpu was contemplating suicide because he had to take a year back due to low marks in the fourth semester exams. The suicide took place at the house where he was staying as a paying guest in Kozhipilly. At the time of suicide, Marpu was alone at the house.

Michi Marpu, a tribal, got admission to MA College under the central quota. A few students from this category are also studying in MA College. The students are protesting, claiming that Michi Marpu committed suicide due to mental stress following the condescending actions of the college authorities. SFI and AISF also reached the college in protest. In the discussion held on Sunday, the college management assured that they will consider changing the year-back system. There are indications that there will be protests in the college on Monday as well.

Higher Education Minister Roji M John said that the Kerala Technical University decided to change the year-back system introduced in 2024 as per the new government's directive. Although they spoke with M.A. College authorities as per the students' demand, the college hesitated, perhaps due to its autonomous status. The minister also said that an investigation will be conducted at the department and university levels.