Greater Noida, July 20 — A second-year Bachelor of Dental Surgery (BDS) student at Sharda University, Jyoti Sharma, allegedly died by suicide in the women’s hostel on Friday night, following accusations of mental harassment and humiliation by two faculty members, police said on Saturday.
The incident took place on campus in Greater Noida, prompting an immediate police response. A case has been registered at Knowledge Park Police Station in Gautam Buddha Nagar, and two university staff members, Mahinder and Shairy, were arrested in connection with the case.
According to Additional Deputy Commissioner of Police (ADCP) Sudhir Kumar, the arrests were made based on a formal complaint filed by the student’s family. The student, a native of Gurugram, left behind a suicide note naming the two faculty members and blaming them for her distress.
“They mentally harassed me. They humiliated me. I have been under stress for a long time because of them. I want them to face the same thing. I am sorry. I can’t live like this anymore,” Jyoti reportedly wrote in the note recovered from her hostel room.
University Initiates Internal Inquiry
In response to the incident, Sharda University issued a statement expressing deep concern and announced the formation of a high-powered internal inquiry committee to investigate the circumstances leading to the tragedy.
“The University is fully cooperating with the statutory authorities conducting their own processes. All required documentation and access have been extended, and we will continue to cooperate transparently,” said the Director of Public Relations.
Sources within the university confirmed that the two staff members named in the complaint have been suspended pending investigation.
Protests and Demands for Justice
The tragic event triggered protests on campus, especially within the hostel premises, where students gathered late into the night demanding justice for Jyoti Sharma and a fair and impartial investigation. Slogans were raised against the university administration, with students calling for greater accountability and safety within the academic environment.
Police Investigation Underway
Police officials, along with a forensic team, conducted a thorough examination of the student’s hostel room and collected potential evidence. The body has been sent for post-mortem, and a detailed probe is currently underway.
ADCP Sudhir Kumar confirmed that Jyoti Sharma’s family members were informed immediately and were assisted with all legal and procedural formalities upon arrival at the hostel.
“We have assured the family and her classmates of a swift, thorough, and transparent investigation,” Mr. Kumar said.
Context and Concerns
The incident comes just days after a similar tragedy in Odisha, where a college student died after self-immolation following allegations of sexual harassment by a lecturer. The back-to-back cases have intensified the spotlight on student safety and the mental health support systems within Indian educational institutions.
Authorities have urged the public to await the findings of the ongoing investigation, while emphasizing the need for mental health awareness, institutional accountability, and support mechanisms for students facing distress.
