Bengaluru: A 23-year-old dental college student was found dead at her residence on Friday, with police confirming that a case has been registered and an investigation is under way. The deceased has been identified as Yashaswini, a third-year student of oral medicine and radiology. Her family has alleged that harassment and humiliation by the college management drove her to take the extreme step.
According to the police, Yashaswini was the only child of Parimala and Bhudevaiah. Her death has sparked strong reactions from fellow students and family members, who have demanded accountability and a thorough probe into the circumstances that allegedly led to the incident.
Family alleges humiliation at college
Yashaswini’s mother, Parimala, told the police that her daughter had taken leave from college on Wednesday due to eye pain. She returned to college the following day. However, Parimala alleged that instead of being allowed to resume classes normally, Yashaswini was subjected to humiliation in front of other students for not participating in a seminar.
According to the family, a lecturer allegedly prevented Yashaswini from taking part in the seminar and later harassed her for not making a presentation. Parimala claimed that this public humiliation deeply affected her daughter, who was already under academic pressure.
Family members said Yashaswini returned home distressed after the incident at the college. They alleged that the emotional impact of the episode pushed her into a state of despair, ultimately leading to her death.
Protests by students
Following the incident, several students from the dental college staged a sit-in protest outside the morgue, expressing anger and grief over the death of their classmate. The protesting students alleged that Yashaswini had been subjected to repeated humiliation and undue pressure by the college staff.
The students demanded strict action against those responsible, claiming that academic environments should be supportive rather than punitive. They also urged authorities to ensure that such incidents are not repeated and that students’ mental health is taken seriously.
Protesters said that the incident reflects a larger issue within professional colleges, where students often face intense academic stress and, in some cases, alleged harassment by faculty members. They called for clear guidelines and grievance redressal mechanisms to protect students.
Police investigation underway
Police officials said that they have registered a case and initiated an investigation into the allegations made by the family. Statements from family members, students, and college staff are being recorded as part of the probe.
A senior police officer said the investigation would examine whether there was any form of harassment or misconduct by the college management or faculty that could have contributed to the student’s death. “We are looking into all aspects, including academic pressure and the allegations of humiliation made by the family,” the officer said.
Police have also indicated that they would seek details from the college administration regarding the seminar incident, attendance records, and any prior complaints, if available.
College yet to respond
As of the filing of this report, there was no official response from the dental college management to the allegations made by the family and students. Attempts to reach college authorities for comment were unsuccessful.
Education experts said that institutions must ensure transparent internal processes to address student grievances and prevent situations that could adversely affect students’ mental well-being. They stressed that public humiliation or denial of academic opportunities without due process can have serious consequences.
Growing concern over student mental health
The incident has once again brought the issue of student mental health into focus, particularly in professional courses such as medicine and dentistry, which are known for their demanding academic schedules.
Mental health professionals have repeatedly emphasised the need for counselling support, empathetic faculty interactions, and institutional mechanisms that allow students to raise concerns without fear of reprisal. Families and student groups have urged authorities to mandate counselling cells and periodic mental health check-ins across colleges.
Conclusion
The death of Yashaswini has left her family, friends, and fellow students grieving and searching for answers. As police continue their investigation, the case has triggered renewed calls for accountability within educational institutions and greater sensitivity towards students’ mental health. The outcome of the probe is expected to determine whether the allegations of harassment hold merit and what action, if any, will be taken against those found responsible.