Karnataka medical student dies by suicide after harassment by classmates over affair rumours with professor

A 22-year-old medical student from Karnataka died by suicide after enduring harassment from classmates over rumours about her relationship with a professor.

A 22-year-old medical student in Karnataka allegedly died by suicide after facing sustained harassment from classmates over rumours linking her to a college professor, police said. The student was in the final year of her Bachelor of Ayurvedic Medicine and Surgery (BAMS) at Raghavendra Ayurvedic College in Malladihalli.

A medical student in Karnataka died by suicide after facing harassment from her classmates over rumours that she was involved in a relationship with a faculty member. (PTI/ Representative)

According to a complaint filed by her father, Umashankar G N, a school headmaster, the deceased student had a professional and friendly rapport with a faculty member, Dr Raju, reported NDTV. However, some students allegedly began spreading rumours suggesting an inappropriate relationship between the two, which, her family claims, led to repeated taunts and social humiliation.

Her father alleged that the constant gossip and mental pressure deeply affected her, leaving her distressed despite efforts by her family to counsel and support her. They had reportedly advised her to ignore the remarks and concentrate on her studies, but the situation did not improve.

Unable to cope with the continued stress, the student died by suicide at her residence on Wednesday at around 11 am. A note recovered from her room reportedly detailed the emotional turmoil she had been experiencing in the days leading up to her death, the report noted.

Based on the complaint, police have begun an investigation. The family has named several classmates in their complaint and has sought strict legal action against those allegedly responsible for the harassment.

Discussing suicides can be triggering for some. However, suicides are preventable. A few major suicide prevention helpline numbers in India are 011-23389090 from Sumaitri (Delhi-based) and 044-24640050 from Sneha Foundation (Chennai-based).