Distressed over rumours spread by fellow students that she was in a relationship with a professor, a 22-year-old woman student allegedly died by suicide at her residence in Karntaka's Chitradurga on Wednesday, police said on Thursday.
The student, identified as Likhita, was pursuing a course in Ayurveda at a college in Malladihalli. She reportedly faced mental harassment after rumours spread of her alleged affair in the college.
Student accuses classmates of mental harassment
In a suicide note recovered from her residence in Holalkere town, the student claimed she took the extreme step after being subjected to ridicule by her peers, who allegedly linked her name with a lecturer at the college.
She reportedly mentioned the names of the classmates in the note and said their actions and remarks had caused her severe distress and mental harasement, ultimately leading to her extreme decision.
Her parents, both school teachers residing in Holalkere, said they had tried to console her after learning about the situation. They had advised her to focus on her studies and not be affected by such comments.
A case has been registered at the local police station in connection with the incident.
Father narrates Likhita's ordeal
According to the complaint filed by the student’s father, Umashankar G N, a headmaster, Likhita shared a cordial relationship with a lecturer at her college, identified as Dr Raju. He alleged that some of her classmates spread rumours suggesting an inappropriate relationship between the two.
Umashankar further stated that the repeated taunts and circulation of such claims among her peers led to humiliation and caused significant emotional distress to his daughter.
