PALAKKAD: A security guard was killed in a robbery attempt. He has been identified as P M John, son of Mathai and a security guard of a women’s hostel in Kanjikode coming under the Walayar station limits. The thief entered the compound at 12 midnight and when he resisted the theft attempt, he was beaten to death using an iron rod. Seriously injured John was taken to the district hospital and later to Palakkad Palana Hospital for better treatment. He died this morning. None of the students were in the hostel.