Stolen Devices Cause a Stir at Kottayam Medical College
In a startling incident, three final-year medical students from Kottayam Medical College in Kerala faced a nightmare when their electronic devices, valued at approximately ₹2.8 lakh, were stolen. This theft occurred as they were preparing for the critical NEET PG exams, during which they relied heavily on the notes stored across their gadgets.
The Theft and Its Impact
The affected students—Thomas Cyriac, Gautham Krishna, and Raiphel AJ—had not only lost valuable devices but also crucial study materials that accumulated over four years. “We had no backups. Recovering our devices is essential,” Thomas lamented. The missing items included two tablets and a high-end laptop, all frayed with the stress of impending examinations.
Timeline of Events
The theft is believed to have occurred between 8:30 am and 11:30 am, while the students were on duty. Their devices, resting on tables near their room doors, were snatched from the House Surgeons’ Men’s Quarters, a location typically considered secure. The stolen equipment comprised:
- Samsung Tablet: ₹50,000 (Gautham)
- OnePlus Tablet: ₹30,000 (Raiphel)
- MSI Laptop: ₹2 lakh (Thomas)
Initial Response: A Slow Start
Upon discovering their devices missing, the students initially approached local police but met with skepticism. “Had they acted sooner, the thief might have been caught at the station,” Thomas asserted. Although reluctant at first, the police eventually filed an FIR and began assisting the students in tracking their devices.
The Digital Trail
Using the Samsung Find app, the trio tracked the location of Gautham’s tablet to Kottayam Railway Station shortly after the theft. It appeared that the thief had boarded the Kollam–Tirupati Express, with the device’s trail leading through several states to Chennai. Despite their sleuthing, the students faced hurdles since the tablets lacked SIM cards, limiting the app’s effectiveness.
Security Concerns
CCTV footage revealed a masked individual carrying a large bag while leaving the hostel. The absence of internal cameras and security personnel at the hostel raised concerns. “This is the first time we’ve experienced such an incident,” Thomas reflected, indicating a previous sense of safety.
A Few Fumbles
As the students persisted in their efforts to track the devices, they faced delays in filing the FIR, which was finally registered under relevant theft laws the following morning. Despite live updates shared with local police, initial miscommunication about the app’s accessibility hampered the investigation.
The Investigation Continues
The last known location of the stolen devices was traced to a service center in Chennai. Unfortunately, attempts to recover the items at that site were unfruitful. The investigation remains ongoing, with police confirming their commitment to retrieving the stolen technology.
Moving Forward
This incident serves as a reminder of the importance of security in educational environments, particularly in today’s tech-driven world. Students are encouraged to secure their devices, employ backup methods, and remain vigilant about campus safety. As the investigation unfolds, fingers crossed for a swift resolution and the return of these vital study aids.
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Bio: Priya specializes in making complex financial and tech topics easy to digest, with experience in fintech and consumer reviews.