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Arunachal Pradesh engineering student found dead in Kerala

Published अगस्त 16, 2026 · Updated अगस्त 16, 2026 · By Jessica Anderson - bharatmorningnews.com

Foto : Jessica Anderson - bharatmorningnews.com

Tragedy in Kerala: Arunachal Pradesh Engineering Student Found Dead in Rented Room

Bharatmorningnews.com – Kochi, Kerala — A heart-wrenching incident has shaken the academic community as an Arunachal Pradesh engineering student found dead in a rented accommodation near Kothamangalam. Police officials confirmed on Sunday that Michi Marpu, a third-year B.Tech student at MA College of Engineering, was discovered in his room with a rope tied around his neck. The young student, originally from Naharlagun in the Papum Pare district of Arunachal Pradesh, had been residing at the rented house at Kozhipilly with his college mates.

"The circumstances surrounding his death are still being investigated. We are waiting for his relatives to arrive before conducting the postmortem," stated a senior police official.

Details of the Incident and Investigation

According to police reports, Marpu was found lying on the floor of his room on Saturday evening. Investigators believe that the student had attempted to hang himself from the roof of the room, but the rope broke during the attempt, causing him to fall to the floor. Despite being immediately rushed to the Kothamangalam Taluk Hospital, doctors declared him dead. A three-page suicide note, written in both English and Hindi, was recovered from his room and is being examined for clues.

Police sources indicated that Marpu may have taken the extreme step due to academic pressure. He was reportedly worried about losing an academic year after scoring low marks in several subjects. However, authorities emphasized that a detailed probe is necessary to fully understand the circumstances leading to his tragic death. Kothamangalam police have registered a case of unnatural death and are actively conducting their investigation.

Student Community Responds to Academic Concerns

In the wake of this incident, students at MA College of Engineering have decided to stage a protest. They allege that the minimum credit requirement at their college is significantly higher than at other engineering colleges in the state. SFI and KSU leaders at the college told reporters that since MA College of Engineering follows an autonomous scheme, it has set the minimum credit requirement at 22 credits, compared to 18 credits in colleges affiliated to Kerala Technological University.

This discrepancy has been a point of contention among students for some time. Many feel that the higher credit requirement places undue pressure on students, potentially affecting their academic performance and mental well-being. The protest is expected to highlight these concerns and demand a review of the credit system.

Local Context and Academic Environment

Kothamangalam, located in the Ernakulam district of Kerala, is home to several educational institutions. The presence of MA College of Engineering has made it a hub for engineering students from across the state and beyond. The autonomous status of the college has given it the flexibility to design its own curriculum and assessment methods, but this has also led to debates about the fairness of its requirements.

The tragic death of Michi Marpu has brought attention to the challenges faced by engineering students in Kerala. Many students, especially those from distant states like Arunachal Pradesh, often struggle with the academic pressure and the high expectations set by their institutions. The incident has sparked discussions about the need for better support systems and counseling services in colleges.

FAQ: Understanding the Incident

Q: Who was Michi Marpu? A: Michi Marpu was a third-year B.Tech student at MA College of Engineering, Kothamangalam, originally from Naharlagun in the Papum Pare district of Arunachal Pradesh.

Q: Where was he found dead? A: He was found in a rented house at Kozhipilly near Kothamangalam, where he lived with his college mates.

Q: What was the suspected cause of death? A: Police suspect that Marpu attempted to hang himself from the roof of his room, but the rope broke, causing him to fall to the floor.

Q: Why did students decide to protest? A: Students are protesting because the minimum credit requirement at MA College of Engineering is 22 credits, compared to 18 credits in other colleges affiliated to Kerala Technological University.

Q: What is the status of the investigation? A: A case of unnatural death has been registered, and the postmortem will be conducted after Marpu's relatives arrive in Kothamangalam.

For more updates on this story, visit Hindustan Times Kochi and Hindustan Times Education.

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