Students fall foul of authorities over Christmas celebrations

Students of MES College, Marampally, Aluva, have reportedly landed in trouble after their over-the-top Christmas celebrations on December 19. They were allegedly seen sitting, dancing atop four-wheelers, and hanging out of windows and doors during a vehicle procession on the public road outside the campus.

The Motor Vehicles department (MVD) has taken serious note of the incident, particularly amid ongoing efforts to curb the recent surge in fatal accidents in the State. The Transport Minister and Transport Commissioner have directed the Ernakulam Road Transport Authorities to take stringent action. The celebrations also drew complaints from residents, who reported the matter to the police and the MVD. The students reportedly have to face potential disciplinary action from the college as well.

The Perumbavoor police said the college authorities have also lodged a complaint about a few expelled students entering the campus during the celebrations. “We are verifying the matter and will collect statements from the college authorities. If the complaint is valid, we will register a case for trespassing,” they said.

The MVD took notice of the matter even before the celebrations reached the media and complaints were filed. “We are gathering details of the students and the vehicles involved. Potential actions, including suspension of the driving licences and registration certificates of the vehicles, are likely within a couple of days,” said K. Manoj, Ernakulam Enforcement Regional Transport Office.

Meanwhile, the college authorities had reportedly shared the vehicle numbers and the names of the students involved with the enforcement agencies based on CCTV footage. “Most of the students involved in the celebrations were from the arts, science, and BVoc courses. We had informed the police on the morning of the celebrations about the potential for trouble and advised them to take necessary action. Since the incident occurred mainly outside the campus, it was up to the enforcement agencies to take action,” said the college authorities.