Tragedy Strikes Durgapur Medical College as Student Found Dead in Hostel
A second-year medical student was discovered deceased in his hostel room at IQ City Medical College in Durgapur on Saturday night, sending shockwaves through the campus community. The incident has raised serious concerns about student welfare and academic pressures.
Details of the Incident
The deceased, identified as 22-year-old Lavanya Pratap from Patna, was found hanging from the ceiling by his neck in his locked hostel room. According to reports by Mohammad Asif, Lavanya's father, Anil Kumar, grew alarmed after repeated calls to his son went unanswered on Saturday.
"His friends rushed to his room and found it locked from the inside. They broke down the door and found him hanging," Anil Kumar stated after arriving in Durgapur on Sunday. Lavanya was immediately taken to IQ City Hospital, where he was declared brought dead upon arrival.
Allegations of Harassment and Academic Struggles
In a distressing revelation, Anil Kumar alleged that Lavanya had confided in him about ongoing harassment by some teachers regarding practical marks. "Lavanya had told me that some teachers had been harassing students over practical marks and he had urged the college administration to look into the matter," the grieving father recounted.
Additionally, Lavanya's academic performance had been a source of concern. His results from the first-year final exams, declared four months prior, were not satisfactory, and he had requested a review of his marks. This combination of academic pressure and alleged mistreatment has become a focal point in the investigation.
College Response and Police Investigation
College spokesperson Sudarshana Gangulle issued a statement expressing profound sorrow. "We extend our deepest condolences to the bereaved family in this hour of grief. The institution stands in solidarity with them and is extending all possible support," Gangulle said.
The statement emphasized the college's commitment to student well-being: "The safety, well-being, and mental health of our students remain our highest priority." Gangulle added that the administration is fully cooperating with police and urged respect for privacy to avoid speculation.
Police have registered a case of unnatural death and suspect that Lavanya died by suicide. His body has been sent for a postmortem examination to determine the exact cause of death, as authorities continue their inquiry into the circumstances surrounding this tragic event.
Broader Implications
This incident highlights critical issues in educational institutions, including:
- Mental health support for students under academic stress
- Protocols for addressing allegations of harassment by faculty
- The need for transparent grievance redressal mechanisms
As the community mourns, questions linger about the pressures faced by medical students and the measures in place to safeguard their mental and emotional health.
