Thiruvananthapuram:
A charred body, believed to be that of a well-known educationist, was found on Tuesday morning in a partially constructed building on the campus of P.A. Aziz College of Engineering, located near Thiruvananthapuram.

The police confirmed that the body was 80% burnt. Nearby, a mobile phone and a car belonging to the college’s owner, Mohammed Abdul Aziz Taha, were discovered, raising further questions about the incident.

State Food Minister GR Anil, whose constituency includes the college, expressed his concerns regarding the mysterious circumstances of the death. “A DNA test will be required to confirm the identity of the deceased,” he stated.

Eyewitnesses confirmed that Taha had been seen at the college the previous night. Locals speculated that the incident might be linked to the college’s ongoing financial and administrative challenges. “The college had been facing serious issues, especially after losing its accreditation and being downgraded to a polytechnic. Delayed salaries, mounting debts, and difficulties in issuing graduation certificates have left the institution in turmoil,” said a local resident.

Reports also suggest that two individuals had visited the college the day before the incident, reportedly causing a scene over a cheque-related issue.

Founded in 2003 under the P.A. Aziz Trust, P.A. Aziz College of Engineering was one of the first private engineering colleges established after the liberalization of professional education in Kerala. Affiliated with the University of Kerala and later with APJ Abdul Kalam Technological University, the college has been struggling with declining enrolment in recent years, exacerbating its financial troubles.

The local police have launched an investigation into the incident, registering a case of unnatural death. Further details are expected as the inquiry progresses.