Went missing in August, severe academic pressure and counselling; More details into death of MBBS student in Thiruvananthapuram

KALLAMBALAM: An MBBS student found unconscious in a car near Navayikulam Valiyapalli on the National Highway was confirmed dead at a hospital. The victim is Ashik (25), son of Ansar (a retired Deputy Tahsildar) and Seena Beegam (a teacher at Elamba Higher Secondary School), residing at Seemanthapuram, Madavoor.

Ashik was a final-year student at Alappuzha Medical College. The incident occurred around 8:30 PM on Tuesday. Ashik was found unresponsive inside his car on the service road adjacent to the National Highway, between Kallambalam and Thattupalam. Although relatives and the police rushed him to Parippally Medical College Hospital, doctors declared him dead.

According to Ansar, Ashik left home around 4 PM on Tuesday after informing the family that he was going to Pallikkal and subsequently to Kallambalam. Ashik didn't turn up at home even at night and was unresponsive, which forced Ansar to go out in search of him. The car was discovered during a search conducted with the assistance of the Kallambalam police using mobile tower location data. Ashik was found inside the car, lying back in a reclined seat.

The police suspect that he inhaled toxic fumes after burning something resembling charcoal. Preliminary findings suggest it was a suicide. Relatives said that the youngster was under severe academic pressure. Ashik, who had gone missing from his college on August 9, was found in Goa 12 days later; he had subsequently undergone counselling.

Forensic officials arrived at the scene and collected evidence from the car. After a post-mortem examination at Parippally Medical College Hospital, the body was cremated yesterday evening. The Kallambalam police registered a case and initiated an investigation. Ajina is Ashik's sister.