Bihar Engineering Student Dies By Suicide Following Alleged Harassment by College Principal

A Tragic Incident at Bihar Engineering College: Student Suicide Amid Allegations of Harassment

Authorities have promised rigorous investigation if allegations of harassment or negligence are substantiated.

A distressing incident occurred late Wednesday night at Chandi Engineering College near Patna, Bihar, where Sonam Kumari, a 20-year-old second-year civil engineering student, allegedly took her own life after reported harassment by the college Principal Dr. Gopal Nandan, officials confirmed on Thursday.

The student, who hailed from Bariarpur block in Munger district, jumped from the third floor of the college hostel under circumstances that remain unclear.

While the exact cause of the suicide is still being investigated, fellow students have alleged that harassment and intimidation by Principal Dr. Gopal Nandan played a significant role.

According to classmates' testimonies, Dr. Nandan had reportedly been threatening students and pressuring them not to voice their concerns or grievances.

Students further claimed that when Sonam lay injured for approximately 30 minutes after the fall, Dr. Nandan refused to provide the college vehicle to transport her to a hospital.

The injured student was eventually taken to a nearby referral hospital, where medical staff pronounced her 'Dead on Arrival'.

This tragic event triggered widespread protests on the campus that continued through the night.

Angered students damaged a Deputy Superintendent of Police's vehicle and set fire to a scooter, demanding the immediate presence of Principal Dr. Nandan at the scene.

When contacted by phone regarding the incident, Dr. Nandan declined to provide immediate comments, stating he would address the matter at a later time.

As tensions escalated, ASP Mohammad Nurul Haq, three DSPs, and police forces from 20 police stations were deployed to manage the situation.

The unrest was finally brought under control early Thursday morning after several hours of heightened tensions.

Nalanda's Superintendent of Police Bharat Soni has confirmed that a high-level investigation into the incident has been ordered.

Suman Kumar, the officer in charge at Chandi Police Station, stated that the definitive cause of death will be determined based on the post-mortem report and statements collected from students and family members.

Meanwhile, Shikha Kumari, a close friend of the deceased who witnessed the tragic incident, has been severely traumatized and transferred to Patna Medical College and Hospital (PMCH) for treatment.

Officials have assured that strict action will be taken if allegations of harassment or negligence are proven to be true.

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