Why Is the Karnataka Government Urging Punjab to Investigate the Suspicious Death of a SpiceJet Employee?
Click to start listening
Synopsis
The Karnataka government is calling for an FIR in the suspicious death of Akanksha, a 22-year-old SpiceJet employee and Lovely Professional University graduate. Allegations of harassment and unanswered questions surround this tragic incident. Dive into the details and implications of this unfolding narrative.
Key Takeaways
- Karnataka government demands justice for Akanksha.
- Allegations of harassment against a university professor.
- Call for proper investigation into the suspicious death.
- Family seeks answers amid claims of suppression.
- Akanksha was preparing for further studies abroad.
Bengaluru, May 19 (NationPress) The government of Karnataka has reached out to the Punjab administration on Monday, urging the filing of a First Information Report (FIR) and a thorough investigation into the suspicious death of Akanksha (22), a female employee of SpiceJet and a graduate from Lovely Professional University.
The Chief Secretary's office has sent a formal letter to the Personal Secretary of the Chief Secretary of Punjab. The letter bears the signature of Poovitha. S, Special Officer to the Chief Secretary of Karnataka.
The correspondence highlights, "The untimely demise of Akanksha, a SpiceJet employee and graduate of Lovely Professional University, Phagwara, Jalandhar, has been reported to this office."
Her death was recorded on May 18, coinciding with her visit to the university to collect her degree certificate.
The family of the deceased has made allegations of abetment to suicide against a professor at the college. However, it has come to our attention that local authorities have opted not to file an FIR, treating the case merely as an Unnatural Death Report (UDR) under the guise of a suicide.
“Given the seriousness of the issue and the concerns expressed by the family, I request that you promptly inform the Chief Secretary to take immediate action to ensure justice for the deceased's family," the letter noted.
In the meantime, Dinesh Gundu Rao, Minister for Health and District In-charge of Mangaluru, remarked, "The passing of Akanksha, a student from Dharmasthala in Mangaluru district, is a profoundly tragic event."
"At first glance, it seems to be an unnatural death. Her family claims that Akanksha's death was a result of harassment from lecturer Matthew. I implore the Punjab government to conduct a comprehensive investigation to ensure justice in the perplexing death of Akanksha. I have discussed this matter with our state's Chief Secretary and instructed that continuous communication be maintained with Punjab's government," said Minister Rao.
Instructions have been issued to facilitate the return of Akanksha’s body to her family. Furthermore, I have directed that our Chief Secretary engage with the Chief Secretary of Punjab regarding a meticulous investigation into the mysterious circumstances surrounding Akanksha's death, he added.
"In this context, our state's Chief Secretary has held discussions with Punjab's Chief Secretary, and a case has been registered at the Jalandhar police station. The state government is fully committed to supporting Akanksha’s family during this difficult time," he emphasized.
Sources indicate that Akanksha's parents have sent a letter to Punjab Chief Minister Bhagvanth Mann, alleging that several suspicious deaths have previously occurred on campus and advocating for a thorough investigation to uncover the truth.
They claim that the university and police are attempting to suppress the case, having failed to register an FIR. Without an FIR, the postmortem cannot be conducted.
However, sources suggest that Akanksha may have taken her own life due to a failed romantic relationship, having jumped from the fourth floor of the university building. She was reportedly involved with a professor who is a father of two.
Senior police officials in Punjab have met with the victim's parents. Akanksha had completed a degree in Aeronautical Engineering and worked with SpiceJet in Delhi for six months. She was preparing to pursue further studies in Germany.
Point of View
The incident raises serious concerns about student welfare and institutional accountability. The Karnataka government's intervention highlights the need for thorough investigations in cases of suspicious deaths, ensuring that justice prevails and families receive answers.
NationPress
08/06/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What led to the Karnataka government's request for an FIR?
The Karnataka government sought an FIR due to allegations of harassment linked to the suspicious death of Akanksha, a SpiceJet employee, as her family raised concerns over the handling of the case.
What allegations are made against the professor?
The family of Akanksha has accused a professor at her university of harassment, claiming it contributed to her untimely death.
What actions have been taken by the Punjab government?
The Punjab government has initiated discussions regarding the case, and a police report has been filed at the Jalandhar police station.
What is the significance of the FIR in this case?
An FIR is crucial as it formally initiates a police investigation, enabling a thorough examination of the circumstances surrounding Akanksha's death.
How has the family responded to the situation?
Akanksha's family has expressed outrage over the lack of an FIR, alleging that the university and police are trying to suppress the truth behind her death.
