Vadodara Student Attempts Suicide Following Alleged Caste-Based Harassment by College Teachers
In a distressing incident in Vadodara, a 19-year-old student from a private college attempted to end his life by jumping off the third floor of his college building on Sunday. The student, identified as Rohan Rathod, is currently receiving medical treatment after being rushed to a hospital following the attempt.
Police Complaint Filed Under SC/ST Act
The Kapurai police have taken swift action by filing a formal complaint against two teachers from the college. The complaint, lodged on Sunday, includes charges under the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, along with allegations of criminal intimidation. According to police reports, the complaint was filed by Rathod's uncle, Samir Rathod, who resides in Junagadh.
The accused teachers, named Komal and Rushikesh, are professors at the college where Rathod is enrolled as a first-year BAMS student. The police investigation reveals that Rathod allegedly faced persistent discrimination and harassment due to his caste, which escalated to severe mental and physical distress.
Details of the Alleged Harassment
Authorities state that the harassment included public insults directed at Rathod during class sessions, creating a hostile academic environment. The teachers reportedly threatened to fail him academically and went as far as discarding his journal, actions that compounded the student's anguish. This alleged mistreatment, described as both physical and mental in nature, reportedly pushed Rathod to the brink, leading to his suicide attempt on February 10.
The incident has sparked concerns about caste-based discrimination in educational institutions, highlighting the need for stricter enforcement of anti-discrimination laws. The police are continuing their investigation into the matter, with further details expected as the case progresses.
