Bengaluru Dental Student's Suicide Case Takes a Serious Turn
The tragic death of a young dental student in Bengaluru has escalated into a major legal case. The mother of the deceased student is now accusing six lecturers from the college of driving her daughter to take her own life.
From Unnatural Death to Abetment to Suicide
Initially, police registered a simple case of unnatural death after 23-year-old Yashaswini B was found hanging in her bedroom on January 8. The third-year dental student at Oxford Dental College on Hosur Road had left behind a suicide note claiming sole responsibility for her action.
However, the situation changed dramatically on Sunday when Yashaswini's mother, G Pramila, submitted a fresh complaint. She alleged that her daughter had endured sustained harassment from a group of lecturers at the college. This complaint led police to register a new case under BNS Section 108 for abetment to suicide.
The Accused Lecturers and Serious Allegations
Based on Pramila's complaint, Suryanagar police in Bengaluru Rural district registered a zero FIR. This has since been transferred to Bommanahalli police for further investigation. The FIR specifically names six lecturers: Dr Anmol, Dr Alba, Dr Shabana, Dr Faika, Dr Sindhu and Dr Sushmini.
Pramila's complaint paints a disturbing picture of alleged harassment that spanned approximately one year. She claims her daughter faced continuous humiliation from these lecturers. The alleged mistreatment included frequent reprimands for arriving a few minutes late to class and criticism of her dressing style.
Pattern of Alleged Harassment Emerges
According to the mother's account, the situation worsened when Yashaswini did not respond to these remarks. The lecturers allegedly retaliated by awarding her lower marks in seminars. Pramila stated that her daughter repeatedly confided in her about the distress and insults she faced at college.
The complaint details a particularly troubling incident that occurred just one day before Yashaswini's death. The student suffered from eye pain and skipped classes. When she returned to college on January 8, she was allegedly insulted in front of her classmates.
Lecturers reportedly questioned her about the medicines she had taken and the number of eye drops she used. They allegedly asked why she had come to college if she was still in pain.
Disturbing Remarks About Appearance
Perhaps most shockingly, the complaint alleges that lecturers made remarks about Yashaswini's skin colour. They reportedly questioned her suitability to become a doctor, asking why she wanted to pursue the profession "with this face" - allegedly referring to her complexion.
Pramila told police she had counselled her daughter to ignore the comments and focus on her studies. She assured Yashaswini that perseverance mattered more than reacting to insults. Despite this advice, the alleged harassment continued.
Investigation Proceeds Despite Suicide Note
The suicide note found at the scene presents a complicating factor. In it, Yashaswini stated she alone was responsible for taking the extreme step and that no one else was to be blamed. This note has been sent to the Forensic Science Laboratory to determine whether the handwriting is indeed hers.
Despite the contents of the note, Pramila remains adamant that her daughter faced unbearable pressure from the lecturers. She insists the sustained harassment and humiliation over the past year created an environment that led to the tragic outcome.
Police are now investigating both the circumstances surrounding the suicide and the specific allegations against the six named lecturers. The case has drawn attention to student welfare and professional conduct in educational institutions.
