HC quashes FIR against two Nashik professors

In a major reprieve for two professors at MGV Dental College and Hospital, Nashik, the Bombay high court last week quashed an FIR against them, which alleged that they had aided and abetted the December 2005 suicide of a student.

In a major reprieve for two professors at MGV Dental College and Hospital, Nashik, the Bombay high court last week quashed an FIR against them, which alleged that they had aided and abetted the December 2005 suicide of a student.

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The judge quashed proceedings against Dr. Seema Bhoosreddy, professor of Oral Surgery, and Dr. Nitin Dani, Head of Department of Peridontology who were booked under section 306 of the IPC for aiding and abetting the suicide of Sneha Bhandale, a final year Bachelor of Dental Science student. Her father had alleged the professors had harassed her and demanded she complete a difficult course within an unreasonably short time period.

“Unless there is clear mens rea to commit the offence, or a direct or indirect act which leaves the deceased no option but to commit suicide, the trial against the accused under section 306 of Indian Penal Code (for aiding and abetting suicide) cannot be permitted,” justice BR Gavai said.