Bengaluru, India – Six faculty members at The Oxford Dental College have been suspended following the death by suicide of a 23-year-old student. The college management announced the suspensions on January 12 , pending a full inquiry into the incident.
The dental student, identified as Yashaswini, was found deceased at her residence on Friday. Her family alleges the college management subjected her to humiliation and harassment, which they state led to her death.
Faculty Suspended Pending Inquiry
The Oxford Dental College issued an official communication detailing the suspensions. Six faculty members from the Department of Oral Medicine and Radiology are suspended. This action remains in effect until further notification from the college.
The suspended individuals include both senior lecturers and a professor. Their roles and names are listed below:
| Faculty Member | Position | Department |
|---|---|---|
| Anmol Razdan | Senior Lecturer | Oral Medicine and Radiology |
| Shabana Banu | Senior Lecturer | Oral Medicine and Radiology |
| Faika Kolkar | Senior Lecturer | Oral Medicine and Radiology |
| Alba Dinesh | Senior Lecturer | Oral Medicine and Radiology |
| Sindhu R | Reader | Oral Medicine and Radiology |
| Sushmini Hegde | Professor | Oral Medicine and Radiology |
Student’s Death and Family Allegations
Yashaswini, a third-year dental student, was the only child of her parents, Parimala and Bhudevaiah. According to her mother, Yashaswini took leave on Wednesday, citing eye pain. Upon returning to college the following day, she was allegedly humiliated publicly.
Her mother stated Yashaswini faced humiliation in front of other students for not participating in a seminar. Family members claim this alleged humiliation and harassment by college staff drove her to take her own life.
Student Protests Erupt
Following news of Yashaswini’s death, aggrieved students from The Oxford Dental College staged a sit-in protest. The protest occurred outside the morgue, where students demanded immediate action against those they held responsible for the incident.
Police Investigation Underway
Police have registered a case in connection with Yashaswini’s death. Officials confirm a thorough investigation is ongoing to determine the circumstances surrounding the incident and address the family’s allegations. Further details will be released as the investigation progresses.
Support Resources
If you or someone you know is experiencing distress or suicidal thoughts, please seek help. Support is available from various organizations dedicated to mental health and suicide prevention. You are not alone, and help is available.
- AASRA: Call 9820466726 or visitaasra.info
- iCALL: Call 9152987821 or visiticallhelpline.org
- Find additional helpline numbers and support organizations atfindahelpline.com.