COIMBATORE — A 20-year-old engineering student was fatally assaulted by a group of youths near his college campus on Monday night, triggering outrage and serious allegations of campus drug trafficking retaliation. Police have detained five suspects in connection with the crime and initiated an extensive investigation.
The deceased has been identified as Amuthan, a native of Kallakurichi district and a third-year student at a private engineering college located along the Coimbatore-Pollachi Road near Premier Mills.
Fatal Ambush Near Campus
According to police sources, the incident took place late Monday night while Amuthan was walking near the college premises accompanied by a friend. A gang of roughly ten youths intercepted the duo and launched an unprovoked, brutal physical attack before fleeing the scene.
While Amuthan’s friend managed to escape with minor injuries, Amuthan was severely beaten and left critically injured on the road. The friend later returned with another individual, placed an unconscious Amuthan on a two-wheeler, and rushed him toward a nearby hospital. However, Amuthan succumbed to his injuries en route.
Upon receiving information, officers from the Chettipalayam police station rushed to the scene, secured the area, and sent the victim’s body to the ESI Hospital in Singanallur for a post-mortem examination.
Father Alleges Murder Over Drug Complaint
Speaking to media persons, Amuthan's grief-stricken father blamed the college management and linked the murder directly to an illegal drug trade operating within the institution.
He alleged that Amuthan had recently reported active drug abuse and trafficking in the college hostel to the campus management. According to the father, the administration leaked details of the complaint to those involved, making his son a target.
"My son complained to the college administration about drug abuse in the college and hostel," the victim's father stated. "After the management passed on his complaint to the relevant individuals, he was cornered and beaten to death by a gang."
Police Interrogating Detained Suspects
Family members emphasized that Amuthan had no prior criminal record or disputes. He had previously moved out of the college hostel during his second year due to poor food quality before returning to hostel accommodation for his third year.
A case has been formally registered by the Chettipalayam police. Five individuals, believed to be fellow college students or acquaintances, have been detained and are currently undergoing intense interrogation. Detectives are verifying the victim's family claims, reviewing local CCTV footage, and examining hostel records to establish the sequence of events leading up to the fatal assault.
