Bengaluru: A young dental student died by suicide in Chandapura in Anekal taluk, triggering strong allegations from the family and a wave of anger among students, who staged a protest demanding accountability.
According to the family, the student—identified as Yashasvini, a student of a dental college linked to Oxford College, Bommanahalli—took the extreme step after facing repeated humiliation and harassment allegedly by the college administration and faculty. Her parents, Parimala and Bhodevayya, said she was their only daughter.
What the family alleges
The student’s mother alleged that her daughter was treated differently compared to others and was repeatedly targeted. The family claimed the student was denied an opportunity to speak during a seminar, even as other students were allowed, leaving her distressed.
The family further alleged that on January 7, the student took leave citing eye pain. When she returned to college the next day, she was allegedly questioned and mocked in front of others over the eye drops she had used—how many drops, what medicine, and why she took leave—along with taunting remarks that deeply hurt her.
Student protest and rising pressure
The incident led to protests by students and the victim’s friends, who alleged that the college administration’s behaviour towards students was inappropriate and that grievances were not taken seriously. Protesters demanded a thorough probe and strict action if wrongdoing is established.
Police action and official response awaited
Police are understood to have taken note of the incident and are looking into the allegations and circumstances leading to the death. Meanwhile, the college’s official reaction is awaited, and no detailed statement from the management had been shared at the time of filing this report.
The case has reignited concerns about student wellbeing, campus discipline practices, and grievance redressal mechanisms, especially in professional colleges where academic pressure is high.
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