This IIT Palakkad case is honestly scary because police are now saying it was not random attack at all . It was allegedly planned robbery attempt,which makes whole thing even more disturbing.
Incident happened on night of February 23 , when Suman,a resident of Kolkata,targeted Ashwini,a fourth-year student from Salem,Tamil Nadu . She was just moving around campus like any normal student heading toward dining hall,and someone was waiting in shrubs with wooden log ah .
According to police,Suman had hidden near campus area with intention of stealing jewellery from unsuspecting female students . Not some sudden fight,not confusion,but calculated attempt as per investigation.
And this is where things feel very uncomfortable.
During assault,Suman allegedly struck Ashwini on head,causing her to fall to ground . She also suffered injuries to head and chest . But her immediate reaction,screaming for help,alerted nearby students and that quick response forced him to run away .
Few things standing out clearly in this case:
- Failed robbery attempt — The attack was aimed at stealing jewellery from the student.
- Criminal's confession — Suman admitted his intentions during police interrogation .
- Long investigation — Police captured Suman months later in West Bengal.
After attack,Suman reportedly took shelter in camp housing migrant workers who were engaged in construction work on IIT campus . Later he fled back to Kolkata,thinking maybe he could avoid police and disappear quietly.
But police kept working on case,including reconstructing crime scene,and eventually tracked him down in West Bengal and arrested him months later . That part at least gives some relief,but still question is how he managed to stay hidden for so long.
And tbh,campus safety angle cannot be ignored here . If female students walking alone at night can be targeted near dining hall area itself,then surveillance,lighting,security checks and support systems all need serious attention.
Ashwini’s injuries may heal with time,but fear after such incident stays in mind differently only . Educational institutions are supposed to feel safe,especially at night… so how many such weak spots are still being ignored?
