Bengaluru Dental College Suspends Six Faculty Members After Student's Tragic Death
The management of Oxford Dental College in Bommanahalli, Bengaluru, has taken decisive action. They suspended six faculty members from the Department of Oral Medicine and Radiology. This suspension follows the heartbreaking suicide of a 23-year-old dental student.
Suspension Details and Immediate Action
The college issued a formal letter on Monday, January 12. It confirmed the suspension of the six faculty members. The suspension took effect immediately and will continue until further notice. This move represents a precautionary step by the college management.
The suspended individuals include four senior lecturers: Dr Anmol Razdan, Dr Shabana Banu, Dr Faika Kolkar, and Dr Alba Dinesh. Additionally, Dr Sindhu R, who holds the position of Reader, and Dr Sushmini Hegde, a Professor, face suspension. All belong to the same department as the deceased student.
The Student's Tragic Story
The student, identified as B Yashaswini, was a third-year student in the Department of Oral Medicine and Radiology. She allegedly died by suicide at her residence in Head Master Layout, Chandapura, on January 8. Her death has sent shockwaves through the college community.
Yashaswini's mother has come forward with serious allegations. She claims her daughter faced persistent harassment and mental torture from a lecturer at the college. The mother also holds the college principal responsible for the incident, suggesting systemic failures.
According to family members, Yashaswini suffered from an eye-related medical issue. She did not attend classes on January 7 due to this condition. When she returned to college the next day, a lecturer allegedly humiliated her in front of classmates. Reports indicate the lecturer made mocking remarks about her eye condition.
Academic Concerns and Alleged Discrimination
Further allegations suggest Yashaswini faced academic discrimination. She was reportedly denied opportunities to attend important seminars. The college also did not allot her radiology case work, which is crucial for practical learning.
These actions deeply worried Yashaswini. She feared they would negatively impact her academic performance and internal assessment marks. Her mother describes her as an academically bright and sensitive individual. The alleged treatment caused her significant distress.
Yashaswini left behind a death note. However, she did not explicitly name anyone in her final message. This detail complicates the legal proceedings surrounding her death.
Police Investigation and Public Response
The Surya City police have registered a case of unnatural death. A police officer provided a statement on the matter. "Since the victim has not named anyone, we have not registered a case against any member of the college staff. If further information emerges, appropriate action will be taken," the officer said.
Following the incident, students and family members organized protests. They gathered outside the college hospital mortuary, demanding justice and accountability. Several students expressed fear that similar incidents could happen again without strict action.
The college management acknowledges the seriousness of the situation. They state that a detailed inquiry is currently underway. The suspensions aim to ensure a fair investigation while addressing immediate concerns.
This tragic event highlights critical issues in educational institutions. It underscores the need for robust mechanisms to address student welfare and prevent harassment. The Bengaluru community watches closely as developments unfold.
