Another student suicide has occurred at Marwari University in Rajkot, Gujarat. Following the death of the second student, questions regarding campus safety and student welfare have been raised over the past six days.
The deceased student has been identified as Hemant Gandaman, who hails from Andhra Pradesh and was a third-year Computer Science student. According to available information, Hemant jumped from the university building this morning. It is reported that he attended two lectures prior to the incident. Upon receiving notification of the event, police arrived on campus and began investigating the case. The police are currently determining the reasons behind the student's decision.
This incident took place six days after Shobharika, another Computer Science student, died by jumping from the university building. The reasons for the previous incident remain unknown. Due to two students dying within six days, the ABVP and NSUI organizations have protested concerning student safety at the university.
Nidish Vargis, Deputy Registrar of Marwari University, expressed regret over the suicide of the second student in one week. He noted that Hemant was academically proficient. The university administration has pledged full cooperation with the police in this matter and will provide all necessary information for the investigation.
The deceased student's friend, Rishikesh, has leveled accusations against the university registrar, Pinto Mennan. Rishikesh claims that Pinto Mennan allegedly reprimanded Hemant the day before and treated him rudely. Furthermore, he stated that students were told not to come to study from other states but to stay closer to home. However, there is no independent confirmation of these allegations. It will only become clear whether these accusations played any role in the student's death after the police investigation is complete.
Given the seriousness of the situation, several groups of Rajkot city police have arrived on campus. Over 100 personnel, including an ACP officer, SOG, and local police, have been deployed. Police are interviewing the student's family, friends, professors, and individuals associated with the university. During the investigation, it is also being determined whether the student was subjected to bullying. The police are gathering information about the student's studies, his connections at the university, and the circumstances leading up to the incident.
The Marwari University administration has also formed a committee to examine the case. The university side stated that it will fully assist the police in the investigation. Amidst the two deaths in six days, an atmosphere of anxiety prevails among students on campus. The police and university administration are conducting investigations at different levels. After Hemant's death, the ABVP held a protest action on the premises of Marwari University. Tension arose between the police and ABVP activists during the demonstration. Videos emerging from the protest show clashes and confrontations between the police and activists. There are claims that the police slapped some activists and used batons against some students.
It is reported that some ABVP activists sustained injuries during the police action. The injured were taken to a private hospital for treatment. Following the protest on the university grounds, police control was increased. The police detained some ABVP activists who participated in the demonstration. The true cause of the student's death will become clear after the investigation concludes. The police are working to ascertain the real reasons for the student's demise by questioning the family, friends, teachers, and staff of the university. Various aspects are being checked, including potential harassment or bullying. The committee formed by the university administration will also conduct an inquiry into the matter. It is expected that the police investigation and internal university review will clarify the circumstances that led to Hemant's death within six days.