Six professors suspended in Oxford Dental College student suicide case
Bengaluru : The management of Oxford Dental College in Bengaluru has suspended six professors in connection with the suicide of student Yashaswini, following serious allegations of harassment and mounting protests by students. The action comes days after an FIR was registered against senior faculty members based on a complaint filed by the victim’s mother.
The dismissed faculty members belong to the OMR department and have been identified as Dr Sindhu, Dr Sushmini, Dr Alba, Dr Animol, Dr Paika and Dr Shabana. The college administration stated that the decision was taken in view of the police case, the gravity of the allegations, and sustained student demonstrations demanding accountability and justice.
Yashaswini was found dead at her residence in Chandapura on January 8, in what police have confirmed as a case of suicide. Her family has alleged that she was subjected to continuous mental harassment by certain professors, which pushed her into taking the extreme step. Following the complaint, the Suryanagar Police registered an FIR against seven professors, including the college principal, Dr Priya Subramani.
According to the allegations, Yashaswini was repeatedly humiliated in front of her classmates. Professors are accused of making derogatory remarks about her skin colour and attire, causing her severe emotional distress. The complaint also names Dr Priya Subramani, against whom serious accusations of institutional harassment and failure to protect the student have been raised.
The incident triggered widespread outrage on the campus, with students staging protests and demanding immediate action against those responsible. Protesters alleged that complaints raised earlier were ignored by the management and that a culture of intimidation prevailed within the institution.
Responding to the developments, Oxford Dental College Vice-Principal Dr Ramesh said the management has taken note of the allegations and the police investigation and has initiated disciplinary action accordingly. He added that the institution would cooperate fully with the ongoing probe and assured that further action would be taken if more individuals are found culpable.
Police officials stated that the investigation is ongoing and that statements from students, faculty members, and family members are being recorded. They added that all evidence, including messages and academic records, is being examined to establish the sequence of events leading up to the suicide.
The case has once again brought focus on student mental health, alleged academic harassment, and the need for strict institutional safeguards within professional colleges.
