The Cochin University of Science and Technology (CUSAT) addressed the tragic stampede incident that occurred on Saturday, resulting in four casualties ahead of a musical concert by singer Nikhita Gandhi. In a statement released on Tuesday, the university asserted that the concert was organized without proper permission, violating guidelines prohibiting outsider concerts on campus.
The university singled out the Dhishna 2023 organizing committee, led by the principal of the School of Engineering, holding them responsible for not informing authorities about Nikhita Gandhi’s performance. As a consequence of the investigation into the stampede, Dr. Deepak Kumar Sahoo has been temporarily removed as principal, with Dr. Sobha Cyrus of the Civil Engineering Department taking his place.
According to the university’s statement, the organizing committee failed to officially inform the university about the mega musical show featuring celebrities like Nikhita Gandhi. The committee’s brochure, submitted with the event application, only mentioned performances by talented students from the School of Engineering. The university emphasized that had the committee sought official approval, permission would not have been granted as it contradicts existing rules.
The statement clarified that in-principle approval for the tech festival and logo launch was granted in August based on guidelines issued by the university in 2015, prohibiting concerts or professional musical events by external artists. The university disclosed that details of the program were shared with the police special branch officer through the varsity’s security officer, and safety measures were implemented as customary for such events, including student volunteers controlling auditorium entry and the presence of police and security officers.
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