Yasashwini, a 23-year-old student of a private dental college in Bengaluru, died by suicide at her residence on January 8, triggering protests against the college administration and staff.
The student’s family accused several faculty members of subjecting her to mental harassment, an allegation that was supported by a preliminary investigation. Following the findings, the college has suspended six lecturers for allegedly humiliating the student over her skin tone and dressing style.
The Oxford Dental College said in a statement that the inquiry in the matter would continue and that the suspension would remain in force till further notification.
The suspended faculty members include senior lecturers Anmol Razdan, Shabana Banu, Faika Kolkar and Alba Dinesh, Reader Sindhu R, and Professor Sushmini Hegde, all from the Department of Oral Medicine and Radiology, said the statement.
Yashaswini was the only child of her parents, Parimala and Bhudevaiah. She had taken a day’s leave on January 7, citing eye pain. According to an IANS report, when she returned to college the following day, she was allegedly denied the opportunity to present a seminar and handle a radiology case and was subjected to verbal abuse.
The report further alleged that she was insulted with derogatory remarks, including comments questioning how someone with dark skin could become a doctor.
A complaint was filed at the Suryanagar Police Station, following which an FIR was filed against six faculty members.
"She was insulted over her eye problem in front of her classmates. She shared everything with me. Don't they have children? The lecturer and the college management humiliated my daughter, following which she took the extreme step," Parimala told the news agency.
