Did a Civil Engineering Student Take Her Life Due to Alleged Harassment by the College Principal?
Click to start listening
Synopsis
The tragic death of Sonam Kumari, a civil engineering student at Chandi Engineering College, raises serious questions about the alleged harassment by Principal Dr. Gopal Nandan. The incident has ignited protests on campus, highlighting the need for accountability in educational institutions.
Key Takeaways
- Allegations of harassment by the college Principal are under investigation.
- Student protests erupted following the tragic incident.
- Authorities promised strict actions if the allegations are confirmed.
- Support is being provided to students affected by the event.
- A comprehensive investigation has been initiated to uncover the truth.
Patna, Sep 25 (NationPress) A distressing event unfolded late on Wednesday at Chandi Engineering College, near the capital city of Patna, when Sonam Kumari, a second-year civil engineering student, reportedly took her own life amid allegations of harassment from the college Principal Dr. Gopal Nandan, according to an official statement released on Thursday.
The 20-year-old student, hailing from Bariarpur block in Munger district, tragically jumped from the third-floor rooftop of the college hostel under unclear circumstances.
While the specific reasons for her alleged suicide remain under investigation, fellow students have accused Dr. Gopal Nandan of harassment and intimidation.
Students have claimed that the Principal was coercing them to keep silent about their issues rather than addressing their complaints.
Additionally, they alleged that when Sonam lay injured for nearly half an hour after her fall, Dr. Gopal Nandan refused to authorize the use of a college vehicle to transport her to a hospital.
Eventually, Sonam was taken to a nearby referral hospital, where she was pronounced 'Dead on Arrival'.
The incident triggered significant unrest on campus, leading to protests that continued late into the night.
Angry students vandalized a DSP’s official vehicle and set fire to a scooter, calling for Dr. Gopal Nandan to come to the scene.
When reached for comment, Dr. Gopal Nandan refused to speak and stated he would address the situation at a later time.
As tensions escalated, ASP Mohammad Nurul Haq, along with three DSPs and police forces from 20 police stations, was deployed to restore order.
By early Thursday morning, the situation had been stabilized after several hours of unrest.
Bharat Soni, the Superintendent of Police in Nalanda, confirmed that a thorough investigation has been initiated.
Suman Kumar, the in-charge of Chandi Police Station, indicated that the precise cause of death would be determined through the post-mortem report and testimonies from students and parents.
In the meantime, Shikha Kumari, a close friend of the deceased who witnessed the tragic event, has been profoundly affected and was transferred to Patna Medical College and Hospital (PMCH) for care.
Authorities have pledged to take stringent action if allegations of harassment or negligence are substantiated.
Point of View
This tragic incident underscores the pressing need for educational institutions to foster a safe and respectful environment for all students. Allegations of harassment must be thoroughly investigated, and accountability is crucial to restore trust within the academic community. Nation always stands for justice and the protection of student rights.
NationPress
25/09/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What happened at Chandi Engineering College?
A second-year civil engineering student, Sonam Kumari, allegedly committed suicide after facing harassment from the college Principal, Dr. Gopal Nandan.
Who is Dr. Gopal Nandan?
Dr. Gopal Nandan is the Principal of Chandi Engineering College, who has been accused of harassing students.
What actions have been taken in response to the incident?
Authorities have ordered a high-level investigation, and police have been deployed to manage the unrest on campus.
What do students allege about the Principal?
Students allege that Dr. Gopal Nandan threatened them and pressured them to remain silent about their grievances.
What support is being provided to affected students?
Support is being offered to students, including mental health care for those traumatized by the incident.
