Udaipur Dental College Student Dies By Suicide, Alleges Mental Harassment And Money Demands By Staff Members

Udaipur: A final-year dental student allegedly died by suicide in her hostel room at a dental college in Udaipur, alleging mental harassment for money by two college staff. The final-year Bachelor of Dental Science (BDS) student from Jammu and Kashmir, identified as Shweta Singh, also left behind a suicide note, which is being investigated by the police.

The deceased student, who was part of the Prime Minister's Special Scholarship Scheme (PMSSS), had allegedly been subjected to mental harassment by the college staff, prompting hundreds of students to take to the streets in protest. According to the suicide note left behind by Shweta, the college staff members were demanding money and were arbitrary in failing students, delaying examinations, and making repeated monetary demands.

College Sacks Both College Employees, Police File Case Against Them

The protests, which began on the day of the incident, saw students raising slogans and demanding justice for their deceased batchmate. The situation escalated over the next 48 hours, with the university management engaging in a day-long discussion with protesting students and their families. A consensus was finally reached, resulting in the removal of two college employees and the filing of a police case against them.

According to Udaipur's Sukher police station officer, Ravindra Charan, the protest had been ongoing for two days, with a lengthy reconciliation discussion taking place between the family and the university in the presence of the police. A case was registered based on legal considerations, and the body of the deceased was handed over to her relatives after a postmortem was conducted.

The deceased student's father expressed his anguish and frustration over the incident, stating that his daughter had been selected for the college through the PMSSS and everything had been going fine until the college allegedly demanded additional fees for the exams. "If they had told me, I would have fulfilled their demand. I would have arranged the money anyhow," he said, adding that the college administration should have made their demands to the parents, not the children. "I want justice. Something like this should never happen to any other student," he demanded.

The student's death has sent shockwaves through the college community, with many questioning the alleged arbitrary collection of money in the name of attendance and examination. A purported note left behind by the student accused the college management of harassment and torture, specifically naming two staff members as those responsible for demanding money in the name of attendance.

Shweta's mother, Meena Devi, spoke to Republic Media Network, alleging that the college authorities were harassing her daughter, forcing her to pay money, and threatening her with academic consequences if she didn't comply. "They used to force her for money, and we gave many times," Meena Devi said, adding that Shweta was happy when she left home last week, but was under immense pressure from the college authorities. Shweta's sister, Seeta, also corroborated the allegations, stating that the college was asking for money and not conducting exams.

The college authorities have not yet responded to the allegations, but the family demands capital punishment for the accused teachers and the closure of the college. "The college is hiding those teachers; they should be arrested and put to capital punishment," Meena Devi demanded. Seeta added that the college should be closed so that no other student suffers like her sister.

The incident has stirred outrage among fellow students, and an investigation is underway to ascertain the circumstances surrounding Shweta's death. The family has demanded justice for their daughter and action against the accused teachers. 

Further details regarding the incident are awaited.