Kochi, 18 August (H.S.):Tensions escalated at Mar Athanasius College of Engineering (MACE) on Tuesday as hundreds of students intensified their protest following the death by suicide of Michi Marpu, a 20-year-old third-year B.Tech student from Arunachal Pradesh.

Michi, who was studying in Kerala under a central government scholarship, was reportedly under severe mental distress after being declared ineligible to register for the fifth semester. He had failed to secure the minimum number of credits prescribed under the autonomous college's academic regulations. He was found dead at his rented house on Sunday.

The protest centres on the college's credit requirements. Students alleged that although Kerala Technological University relaxed the minimum requirement to 18 credits under its 2024 regulations, MACE continued to insist on 22 credits for fifth-semester registration. Those falling short were reportedly required to repeat a year and denied access to classes and hostel facilities.

Around 21 other students are allegedly facing a similar situation. Protesters claimed Michi had repeatedly approached the principal and his faculty adviser for more than six weeks but received no relief.

Despite torrential rain, students gathered outside the college gates, displayed their identity cards and raised slogans demanding accountability. Tension mounted after the management closed the gates and police erected barricades.

A confrontation was narrowly avoided when students blocked the vehicle of college secretary Winny Varghese. He later entered the campus on foot under police escort.

Earlier, the management issued a circular announcing that Save A Year re-examination fees would be reduced from Rs 6,000 to Rs 1,000 per paper. It also allowed students who missed fifth-semester registration to attend classes from August 18 and promised sick rooms and counselling facilities.

Students rejected the circular as an 'AI-generated eyewash', pointing out that it carried neither an official signature nor the college seal. They also demanded an assurance that no disciplinary action would be taken against protesters. The prolonged sit-in outside the principal's office eventually prompted the management to agree to formal negotiations.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Arun Lakshman