Arunachal Student Found Dead in Kerala; Minister Orders Probe into College's Credit System
A 20-year-old B.Tech student from Arunachal Pradesh was found dead at his rented residence in Kothamangalam, Kerala, on Saturday evening. The police have registered a case of unnatural death and initiated an investigation. The State Higher Education Minister has promised a thorough probe, while students have raised concerns over the college's credit-based promotion system.
The deceased has been identified as Michi Marpu, a native of Naharlagun in Papum Pare district, Arunachal Pradesh. He was a third-year engineering student at Mar Athanasius College of Engineering (MACE), Kothamangalam. According to police, Marpu was found dead around 4.30 p.m. on August 15, 2026, at his rented accommodation. His friends rushed him to the Kothamangalam Taluk Hospital, where he was declared brought dead.
A section of students has alleged that Marpu was distressed over the 'year back system' at the college. They claim that the institution mandates a minimum of 22 credits in Semester 4 for students to proceed to the next semester, while other engineering colleges under Kerala Technological University require only 18 credits. However, these are allegations, and the exact circumstances leading to the death are yet to be established by the authorities.
The Kothamangalam police have registered a case under Section 194 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), which pertains to unnatural death. An inquest and postmortem are scheduled for Sunday, August 16, 2026, after the arrival of the student's relatives.
State Higher Education Minister Roji M. John reacted to the incident on Sunday, stating that a proper investigation will be ensured into the circumstances that led to Marpu's death. He said that along with the police investigation, a department-level inquiry will also be ordered. The Minister noted that Kerala Technological University had recently decided to put on hold the 'year back' system, and all affiliated colleges were expected to comply. However, MACE, being an autonomous college, chose to continue with the system despite being asked to reconsider.
“The government has limitations in interfering in academic decisions of autonomous colleges. Our stand is that institutions should take academic-related decisions considering the future and safety of students,” Mr. John said. He added that around 20 students of the college were facing difficulties due to the system. “Institutions should be more careful in handling such situations. Students should be given counselling and their families should be convinced about the situation,” he said.
The Student Federation of India (SFI) has also demanded a comprehensive probe into Marpu's death. The incident has sparked discussions on student welfare and academic policies in higher education institutions.
Assistance for overcoming suicidal thoughts is available on the State's health helpline 104, Sneha's suicide prevention helpline of Maithri - 0484-2540530, Thanal Suicide Prevention Centre - 0495-2760000, and DISHA - 1056.
