Cusat stampede: students launch online signature campaign in support of teachers

Cochin University of Science and Technology students support teachers accused in stampede incident, highlighting unfair blame on faculty members.

Students of the School of Engineering, Cochin University of Science and Technology, have launched an online signature campaign in support of three teachers, who were included as accused in the chargesheet filed by the police team that probed the tragic death of four people following a stampede on the main campus in November 2023.

They have pointed out that it was unfair to blame the teachers alone for the incident that occurred a few minutes before the start of a musical event scheduled as part of ‘Dhishna’, a tech-fest event.

The students said that ensuring the safety and design compliance of event venues is the responsibility of the Engineering Works department of the university and not individual faculty members. The Principal and faculty had no control over cancelling or regulating the event, once the university administration and authorities had granted approvals. Despite recognising potential risks, they lacked the legal or administrative power to halt the proceedings, they said.

The students alleged that the chargesheet unfairly targeted the faculty members, though the police investigation had initially identified severe lapses by the university authorities. They also claimed that the authorities did not make arrangements for ensuring police protection, though the then Principal had made an official request.