PhD scholar attacked after beef fest on IIT-M campus

The incident happened at 2.15 pm inside the IIT mess. “Around seven to eight students cornered Sooraj and his friend while they were having lunch. One of them told Sooraj that he cannot have beef inside the campus and an argument broke out. In the heat of the moment, one student repeatedly attacked Sooraj who suffered injuries to his head and right eye. The others ensured that no one came forward to rescue Sooraj,” said Azhar Moinudeen, a Masters student at the IIT and another participant of the beef fest. 

The main accused is said to be a member of Vivekananda Study Circle and is from the Ocean Technology Department. 

Sooraj was immediately taken to the hospital. “His right eye was severely injured, so much so that he was unable to open it. The injury was so severe that he was referred to Sankara Nethralaya for further treatment,” said Azhar, adding that the participants, including Sooraj, had been receiving threats ever since they organised the fest. 

Around 70 students from IIT consumed beef inside the campus on Sunday evening. “We are not part of any group. We are politically sensitive students who regularly discuss issues in the country,” said another student. This was one of the many passive protests organised throughout the country to voice out against the imposed restriction on the sale of cattle for slaughter. The Kotturpuram police have registered a case and are investigating.