Girl student attacked inside IIT campus; Salem native seriously injured after being hit on the head

PALAKKAD: An unidentified person hit a female student on the head inside the Kanjikode IIT campus in Palakkad. She suffered serious injuries to her forehead above her right eye and head. The victim of the attack was Salem native Ashwini Kannan (21), a fourth-year data science engineering student. She was admitted to a private medical college in Coimbatore. Hospital authorities said that she is out of danger. The attacker has not been identified.

The attack took place at 7.30 pm on Monday night while Ashwini was walking towards the dining hall area, a few meters away from the hostel. Hearing the screams, her classmates who were walking ahead turned around and saw Ashwini with blood on her head. The unconscious student was immediately taken to the hospital. College advisor K.M. Unni said that the attacker was likely someone from the college campus. The students also clarified that it was not possible for people from outside to commit the attack.

The students allege that similar attacks have taken place in the past on the campus, which is accessible only to students and staff. Palakkad District Police Chief Ajith Kumar said that an investigation has been launched into the incident. The statement of the student will be recorded. CCTV footage from the campus has been collected. The fact that there is no CCTV in the area where the attack took place is troubling the investigation team. The students protested against the incident.