Kochi: The investigation into the stampede at CUSAT's tech fest, which resulted in the death of four persons, has culminated in the filing of a chargesheet. The incident occurred on November 25, 2023, during a musical evening at the open-air auditorium of the Kalamassery campus.

The chargesheet, submitted by a team led by Thrikkakara ACP in the Kalamassery Magistrate Court, names three accused: former principal Dr. Deepak Kumar Sahu, and teachers Girish Kumar Thampi and N. Biju. They face charges of culpable homicide.

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Letter by CUSAT principal regarding the tragedy and from the victims' funeral. | File image: Mathrubhumi
Letter by CUSAT principal regarding the tragedy and from the victims' funeral. | File image: Mathrubhumi

The tragedy was attributed to overcrowding, inadequate crowd control, and poor infrastructure, including a single entry and exit gate. The stampede was triggered when attendees rushed into the auditorium seeking shelter from rain, causing people on the stairs to fall over one another.

The investigation highlighted negligence by the college authorities, who failed to hand over a letter requesting police protection. However, the investigation team clarified that the former registrar would not be named as an accused. The chargesheet comes a year and two months after the devastating event, marking a step toward accountability for the incident that shook the state.