PATNA: A tense situation unfolded late on Wednesday night at Chandi Engineering College, adjoining Bihar’s capital Patna, after Sonam Kumari, a second-year civil engineering student, allegedly committed suicide following alleged harassment by the college Principal Dr. Gopal Nandan, an official said on Thursday.
The 20-year-old student, a resident of Bariarpur block in Munger district, jumped from the third-floor roof of the college hostel under mysterious circumstances.
The reason for the alleged suicide is still under investigation, but classmates have alleged harassment and threats by the college Principal Dr. Gopal Nandan.
According to students, Dr. Gopal Nandan had been threatening students and pressuring them to remain silent instead of addressing their grievances.
They further alleged that when Sonam was lying injured for nearly 30 minutes after jumping from the third floor, Dr. Gopal Nandan refused to provide the college vehicle to take her to hospital.
Sonam was eventually rushed to a local referral hospital, where doctors declared her 'Dead on Arrival'.
The incident sparked massive protests on the campus late into the night.
Enraged students damaged a DSP’s official vehicle and set a scooter on fire, demanding that Principal Dr. Gopal Nandan be called to the spot.
Dr. Gopal Nandan, when contacted by phone, declined to comment and said he would address the matter later.