A deeply disturbing incident in Kerala has exposed the desperate circumstances faced by vulnerable youth in India. An Assam college student was discovered in an extreme state of hunger, resorting to consuming raw cat meat after reportedly going without food for days. The young man had arrived in Kerala by train in December without informing his family, beginning a tragic sequence of events that would lead to this shocking discovery.
This incident goes beyond a simple case of animal harm – it reveals critical failures in our social safety nets and the invisible crisis of youth homelessness and mental health. Understanding how a college student reached such desperate circumstances requires examining the broader issues of food insecurity, family disconnection, and the lack of support systems for young people in distress.
The Desperate Act of Consuming Flesh of Cat
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The discovery of the youth in such extreme circumstances shocked local residents and authorities alike. Going days without food had driven him to an act that under normal circumstances would be unthinkable. This wasn’t a case of cruelty but rather desperation born from starvation.
According to his statements to authorities, the young man was a college student from Assam. The journey from northeastern India to Kerala represents thousands of kilometers, suggesting either a planned escape or a mental health crisis. December’s arrival meant he had been struggling for weeks before this incident.
The act of consuming raw meat poses serious health risks beyond the obvious ethical concerns. Starvation can impair judgment severely, leading to decisions that seem incomprehensible to those who haven’t experienced such extreme hunger. This context doesn’t excuse the act but helps explain how someone reaches such a point.
The incident raises uncomfortable questions about how many others might be suffering silently. If a college student – someone with presumed education and family connections – could fall through society’s cracks so completely, what about those with even fewer resources?
Understanding the Journey from Student to Crisis
The transformation from college student to someone desperate enough to consume flesh of cat didn’t happen overnight. His decision to travel to Kerala without informing family suggests either conflict at home or mental health struggles. Many young people facing academic pressure, family expectations, or personal crises make impulsive decisions to escape.
The choice of Kerala, far from Assam, indicates he wanted distance from his problems. However, arriving in an unfamiliar place without resources or connections quickly becomes dangerous. Language barriers between Assamese and Malayalam could have complicated seeking help.
Without money for food or shelter, each passing day would have increased desperation. Pride might have prevented him from begging or seeking charity. Many educated youth feel shame about their circumstances, preferring hunger to admitting failure.
The December timing coincides with college examination periods, a high-stress time for students. Academic failure or fear of disappointing family drives many young people to extreme decisions. This context suggests the need for better mental health support in educational institutions.
Addressing Youth Homelessness and Food Insecurity
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This incident highlights the hidden crisis of youth homelessness in India. Unlike visible street children, young adults often try maintaining appearances while struggling privately. College students particularly face unique challenges – too old for child welfare services but lacking adult resources.
Food insecurity among youth remains largely unaddressed. While various schemes target children and elderly, young adults fall through gaps. Many survive on irregular meals, gradually deteriorating physically and mentally. This case represents an extreme endpoint of that trajectory.
Mental health services must be accessible and non-stigmatizing. Young people need safe spaces to seek help before reaching crisis points. Early intervention could prevent desperate acts born from hunger and hopelessness.
Communities need awareness about supporting vulnerable youth. Simple acts like noticing someone hasn’t eaten or offering work opportunities can prevent tragedies. This incident should catalyze conversations about collective responsibility for society’s most vulnerable members.
Moving Forward with Compassion
This tragic case demands response beyond judgment or sensationalism. The youth needs immediate medical care, psychological support, and eventually, safe reintegration with family or alternative support systems. His journey from student to consuming flesh of cat represents systemic failures requiring systematic solutions.
Society must create safety nets catching people before they fall so far. No one should face starvation in a country with adequate food resources. This incident should motivate policy changes ensuring no young person faces such desperate circumstances again.
