Civil engineering student commits suicide in Nalanda; harassment by college Principal alleged
A tragic incident shook Chandi Engineering College near Patna, Bihar’s capital, late Wednesday night. Second-year civil engineering student Sonam Kumari, a 20-year-old from Bariarpur in Munger district, jumped from the third-floor roof of the college hostel. She died shortly after, sparking outrage among students who blame harassment by college Principal Dr. Gopal Nandan.
Classmates say Dr. Nandan had been threatening them and pressuring students to stay quiet about their problems. They claim that after Sonam fell and lay injured for about 30 minutes, the principal refused to use the college vehicle to rush her to a hospital. Paramedics finally got her to a nearby referral hospital, but doctors pronounced her dead on arrival.
The news ignited fierce protests on campus that lasted deep into the night. Angry students damaged a deputy superintendent of police’s official vehicle and set a scooter ablaze. They demanded Dr. Nandan show up and face them. When reached by phone, the principal declined to comment, saying he’d speak on the matter later.
As tensions boiled over, authorities stepped in quickly. Assistant Superintendent of Police Mohammad Nurul Haq led a team that included three DSPs and officers from 20 police stations. They managed to calm things down by early Thursday morning.
Nalanda Superintendent of Police Bharat Soni confirmed a high-level investigation into the student suicide at Chandi Engineering College. “We’re looking into all angles,” he said. Chandi police station in-charge Suman Kumar added that the exact cause of death depends on the post-mortem report and statements from students and Sonam’s family.
Sonam’s close friend Shikha Kumari, who saw the whole thing, has been hit hard emotionally. She’s now getting care at Patna Medical College and Hospital. Officials promise tough action if probes confirm any harassment or negligence by the principal or staff.
This heartbreaking case highlights growing concerns over student harassment in Bihar colleges, leaving the community demanding answers and justice.
Stay informed on all the latest news, real-time breaking news updates, and follow all the important headlines in world News on Latest NewsX. Follow us on social media Facebook, Twitter(X), Gettr and subscribe our Youtube Channel.
