Lagatar24 Desk
Thiruvananthapuram: A charred body, suspected to be that of prominent educationist Mohammed Abdul Aziz Taha, was discovered on Tuesday morning in a partially constructed building at P.A. Aziz College of Engineering. The police confirmed that the body was 80 percent burned, and a mobile phone and car belonging to Taha were found near the site, intensifying suspicions.
Investigation Underway
The police have registered a case of unnatural death and initiated an investigation. State Food Minister GR Anil, representing the constituency where the college is located, expressed concern about the mysterious circumstances. “Only a DNA test will confirm the identity of the deceased,” he said.
Eyewitness accounts suggest Taha was seen at the college premises the previous night. Reports also indicate that two individuals had visited the college a day earlier, allegedly creating a scene over a cheque dispute.
College’s Financial Troubles in Focus
Local residents speculate that the incident might be linked to ongoing financial and administrative troubles at the institution. Once a renowned engineering college established in 2003 under the P.A. Aziz Trust, the institution has faced significant challenges, including losing its accreditation and being downgraded to a polytechnic institution.
“The college has been struggling with delayed salaries, mounting debts, and students facing difficulties in obtaining certificates after graduation,” a local resident said. These issues have worsened enrolment rates, a challenge faced by many private engineering colleges in Kerala.
Historical Context of P.A. Aziz College
Established during the liberalization of professional education under the A.K. Antony government, P.A. Aziz College of Engineering was affiliated with the University of Kerala and later with APJ Abdul Kalam Technological University. However, like several private colleges, it faced declining admissions, leading to severe financial hardships.
Community and Official Response
The discovery of the body has left locals and authorities shocked. Minister GR Anil emphasized the need for a thorough investigation to uncover the truth. Meanwhile, the college’s financial difficulties and recent controversies add layers to the ongoing inquiry.
