KOCHI: It is alleged that although the principal of Cusat School of Engineering gave a letter to the registrar requesting police security for the music concert where four people died in the stampede, no action was taken. The letter was released before an emergency syndicate meeting yesterday. Principal Dr Deepak Kumar Sahu gave a letter to Registrar Dr V Meera on Friday. The program was on Saturday.

In previous years too, the fests were held without police protection. The police are reluctant to sanction programs on campus where there is frequent conflict between students. Students don't give much attention to this either. After the tragedy, the police revealed that the college did not ask for security in writing. The vice chancellor explained that the police were informed verbally.

Meanwhile, the move to include youth welfare director PK Baby, who is in charge of campus programs, in the committee to probe the disaster has been controversial. The complaint is that the key to the investigation is being handed over to the officer responsible for the failure of the Tech Fest.

Cannot respond to the allegation that security was not provided despite the letter. Let the investigation be done'

- Dr. PG Sankaran,
Vice Chancellor

Failure to ensure police security is a serious failure. Youth welfare director PK Baby should be allowed to get involved in the probe. A judicial inquiry should be announced.

— Anson P. Antony
General Secretary, Cochin University Employees Union

In the wake of student clashes, around ten policemen are always guarding the gate at the University's expense. The accident happened 50 meters away from this. Police services would have been available if requested.

- VS Majeed
Federation of University Employees Organisations