Police on Wednesday intensified investigations into the attack on a female student at the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) campus, with a special investigation team (SIT) launching a detailed probe.
The SIT, headed by M. Sujit, Inspector, Kasaba Police Station, began examining the 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 on the premises after the incident.
The attack took place on Monday evening when Aswini Kannan, a fourth-year BTech Data Science student from Salem, Tamil Nadu, was walking from her hostel to the canteen along with friends.
She was walking behind the group when a man, said to be wearing a blue shirt, hit her on the head with a wooden board.
Ms. Kannan sustained a deep wound on her forehead extending to the area above her eye and underwent surgery at a hospital in Coimbatore. IIT Palakkad officials quoting her doctors – parents said she is recovering.
Police suspect the attack was premeditated, noting that it took place in a poorly lit area of campus that lacked security camera coverage. Investigators suspected that the choice of location indicated prior planning.
In response, IIT Palakkad authorities have tightened campus security. MK Unni, a consultant to the institute, said more surveillance cameras will be installed, lighting will be improved and more security personnel will be deployed.
“Night vigils have been strengthened across the campus,” Mr. Unni said, highlighting the administration’s efforts to reassure students and staff.
Published – 25 Feb 2026 21:24 IST
