A 22-year-old architecture student from Hassan, Arun C, allegedly died by suicide at his home on July 11, shortly after returning from college for the holidays. He was found hanging from an iron rod using a saree while his parents, both daily-wage workers, were away at work.
Though a death note was discovered, Arun didn’t blame anyone. Initially, police registered a case of unnatural death. However, the investigation changed course after his parents lodged a complaint at Madanayakanahalli police station, accusing three of Arun’s classmates of mentally tormenting him.
According to the FIR, Arun had endured over a year of “humiliation and emotional abuse” from the trio on a college WhatsApp group. His parents allege they sent insulting messages about him, which two of Arun’s friends later confirmed.
More distressingly, they revealed Arun had posted a video expressing emotional pain in the same WhatsApp group shortly before taking his life—something his parents only learned after his death.
Following the complaint, police registered a case under Sections 108 (abetment of suicide) and 3(5) (common intention) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita. A senior officer stated the case is under active investigation.
Police plan to question Arun’s roommates, classmates, and college staff to gather details surrounding the incident and confirm the circumstances leading to his tragic death.
The heartbreaking incident raises urgent concerns about campus bullying and the mental well-being of students.