Bengaluru Dental Student Suicide: Family Alleges Colour-Based Harassment by Lecturers

Bengaluru dental student dies by suicide; kin allege colour-based harassment

The heartbreaking suicide of a 20-year-old dental student in Bengaluru has sent shockwaves across India, raising urgent questions about toxic academic environments, colour-based discrimination, and the mental well-being of students. While her suicide note reportedly stated she was solely responsible for her decision, her grieving mother tells a different story—one of relentless humiliation, public shaming, and targeted harassment by faculty members over her appearance, skin tone, and personal choices.

This case has now become a flashpoint in the national debate on **student suicide** rates in higher education institutions, with police registering an FIR naming six lecturers from the private dental college. The family’s allegations paint a disturbing picture of a young woman pushed to the edge by systemic cruelty disguised as academic discipline.

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The Tragic Incident and Family Allegations

The student, identified as Sowmya R. (name changed for privacy), was found dead in her hostel room on January 10, 2026. According to her mother, Sowmya had been subjected to months of verbal abuse and public ridicule by multiple faculty members. The harassment allegedly centered on her dark skin tone, her choice of clothing, and minor infractions like occasional lateness.

Her mother recounted chilling details: lecturers would allegedly ask her in front of classmates, “With this face, how can you be a doctor?” or question her “suitability for the medical profession.” These comments, repeated over time, eroded her self-esteem and created a hostile learning environment. Despite being a diligent student, Sowmya reportedly began showing signs of severe anxiety and depression in the weeks leading up to her death.

While the suicide note absolved others of blame, her family insists that the note was written under immense emotional duress and does not reflect the full truth of the psychological torment she endured.

What Is Colour-Based Harassment?

Colour-based harassment—often rooted in deep-seated societal biases favoring fair skin—is a pervasive but underreported issue in India. It manifests in workplaces, schools, and even families, where darker-skinned individuals are stereotyped as less intelligent, less attractive, or less capable.

In academic settings, this bias can be especially damaging. When educators—figures of authority—perpetuate these prejudices, it validates discrimination and inflicts deep psychological wounds on students. Experts warn that such microaggressions, when repeated, can lead to chronic stress, identity crises, and, in extreme cases, suicidal ideation.

This case highlights how colourism isn’t just a social issue—it’s a public health and educational equity concern that demands institutional accountability.

The FIR and Police Response

Following the family’s formal complaint, the Bengaluru City Police registered a case under Section 306 (abetment of suicide) of the Indian Penal Code. The FIR names six lecturers from the private dental college, accusing them of creating a hostile environment that drove the student to take her life.

Investigators are now reviewing class recordings, witness statements from fellow students, and internal college communications. The college administration has issued a statement expressing “deep sorrow” but has not yet commented on the specific allegations.

Human rights activists and student organizations are calling for an independent inquiry into the college’s culture and disciplinary practices, arguing that this incident may be symptomatic of a broader pattern of abuse.

Student Suicide in India: A Growing Crisis

Sowmya’s death is not an isolated tragedy. According to data from the National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB), over 13,000 students died by suicide in India in 2023—the highest number in two decades . Academic pressure, parental expectations, financial stress, and lack of mental health support are key contributing factors.

Medical and engineering students are particularly vulnerable due to the intense competition and high-stakes environment. A 2025 study published in The Lancet Psychiatry found that nearly 40% of Indian medical students reported symptoms of depression, with many citing faculty behavior as a major stressor .

These statistics underscore a systemic failure: our education system prioritizes performance over well-being, often at a devastating human cost.

Mental Health Support in Indian Colleges

Despite growing awareness, most Indian colleges—including many private professional institutions—lack adequate mental health infrastructure. Mandatory counseling services are often understaffed, stigmatized, or entirely absent.

Key gaps include:

  • No standardized protocols for identifying at-risk students
  • Lack of training for faculty on mental health first aid
  • Insufficient anti-bullying and anti-discrimination policies
  • Cultural stigma preventing students from seeking help

Experts recommend that all higher education institutions implement anonymous reporting systems, mandatory sensitivity training for staff, and regular mental health screenings. For more on this, see our guide on [INTERNAL_LINK:campus-mental-health-resources].

Conclusion: A Call for Systemic Change

The death of this young dental student is a stark reminder that words can wound as deeply as weapons. While the legal process unfolds, this case must serve as a catalyst for change across India’s educational landscape. Addressing **student suicide** requires more than grief—it demands accountability, empathy, and structural reform.

Colleges must move beyond token wellness workshops and create genuinely inclusive, supportive environments where every student—regardless of skin colour, background, or appearance—feels safe, valued, and respected. Only then can we prevent such tragedies from repeating.

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