Police intensify probe into IIT Palakkad attack

The police on Wednesday stepped up the investigation into the attack on a woman student inside the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) campus, with a Special Investigation Team (SIT) launching a detailed inquiry.

The SIT, led by M. Sujit, Inspector of Kasaba police station, has begun examining surveillance footage from various parts of the campus.

The police also conducted a search for the weapon used in the assault, suspecting that the assailant may have discarded it somewhere within the premises after the incident.

The attack occurred on Monday night when Aswini Kannan, a fourth-year BTech Data Science student from Salem, Tamil Nadu, was walking from her hostel to the mess along with friends.

She was trailing behind the group when a man, reportedly wearing a blue shirt, struck her on the head with a wooden plank.

Ms. Kannan sustained a deep injury on her forehead extending to the area above her eye and underwent surgery at a hospital in Coimbatore. IIT Palakkad officials, citing her doctor parents, said she is recovering.

The police suspect the assault was premeditated, noting that it took place in a poorly lit area of the campus that lacked surveillance camera coverage. Investigators suspected that the choice of location indicated prior planning.

In response, IIT Palakkad authorities have tightened campus security. M.K. Unni, consultant to the institute, said additional surveillance cameras would be installed, lighting improved and more security personnel deployed.

“Night patrolling has been intensified across the campus,” Mr. Unni said, underscoring the administration’s efforts to reassure students and staff.