What Has Led to the Outrage at Sharda University Following a Student's Suicide?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Student Harassment Allegations: The deceased student accused faculty members of mental harassment.
- Protests for Justice: Family and students are demanding accountability from the university administration.
- Police Response: Allegations of police violence during protests have emerged.
- Need for Mental Health Support: The incident raises questions about the mental health resources available to students.
- Call for Transparency: The family has called for a transparent investigation into the circumstances surrounding the student's death.
Greater Noida (UP), July 19 (NationPress) The heartbreaking incident of a 21-year-old Bachelor of Dental Surgery (BDS) second-year student taking her own life inside the girls' hostel at Sharda University has sparked significant outrage among her family and peers. On Saturday, they organized a protest on the campus, calling for justice and demanding stringent actions against the faculty members implicated in her suicide note.
The tragic event unfolded late Friday night in the Knowledge Park region of Greater Noida. Authorities reported that the student was discovered hanging in her hostel accommodation. So far, two instructors have been detained in connection with the case.
Shockwaves of grief and anger surged through the campus, particularly within the hostel, following the recovery of a suicide note. In this note, she accused one male and one female faculty member from the dental department of subjecting her to mental harassment.
Officials noted that the student had exhibited signs of mental distress recently, although no formal complaints had been lodged previously.
The incident ignited protests on campus, where students and family members chanted against the university's administration, demanding a fair and transparent inquiry.
Tensions escalated when protesters claimed that police used lathi charges to disperse the crowd, causing injuries to several attendees.
In a statement to IANS, the student's mother expressed her concern, stating that her daughter and others had been under severe pressure from faculty threats of failing.
"I spoke to my daughter at 8 A.M. yesterday. Later, I called around 5:30 P.M., but she didn't answer. The teachers threatened to fail them by withholding their signatures on exam assignments. She was compelled to take such a drastic step. We were not even informed about her death. We demand justice," she stated.
She further alleged that police officers assaulted her husband, son, and other relatives during the protest.
"My sister-in-law was pushed and injured. Instead of assisting us, the police attacked us," she added.
Another family member accused the university of trying to cover up the incident.
"A similar incident involving a student from Odisha was also silenced. This time, too, they attempted to conceal the event by failing to notify us," he remarked.
The student's cousin recounted that the family learned about the incident only at 9:30 P.M. and had to contact the police themselves at 10:42 P.M.
"The university took her to the hospital without notifying the police or us. How could they do that? We want justice, and instead, the police are lathi-charging us. The ADCP was present when this occurred," he stated.
Relatives asserted that no university official came forward to explain the circumstances surrounding the student's death.
"No one has stepped up. This university lacks accountability. We demand action not only against the faculty but against the institution as well. If justice is not served, we will not permit the university to function," a family member warned.
Concerns have also been raised regarding procedural irregularities.
"The body was taken down without notifying the police. Everything was handled by the college, not the police. This is a murderous university," claimed another relative.
The family has made a direct appeal to Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, seeking stringent action against the university administration and the accused faculty.
Meanwhile, authorities have stated that investigations are ongoing.
Further updates are awaited.