Sharda University Student Dies By Suicide, Cites Teacher Harassment; 2 Staffers Arrested
A second-year Bachelor of Dental Surgery (BDS) student at Sharda University in Greater Noida died by suicide in her hostel room on Friday, naming two faculty members in a note that accused them of sustained mental harassment and humiliation. The tragedy has triggered campus-wide protests and the arrest of two university employees, as police launch a formal investigation into the allegations.
The incident occurred at the Mandela Girls’ Hostel around 7 PM, falling under the jurisdiction of Knowledge Park Police Station. Police recovered a suicide note in which the student, identified as Jyoti Sharma from Gurugram, accused professors from the departments of PCP and Dental Materials of causing her severe mental distress, ultimately holding them accountable should anything happen to her.
According to Additional DCP Greater Noida Sudhir Kumar, the police acted promptly upon receiving the family’s complaint, registering an FIR and taking two staff members into custody for questioning. “The students were agitated regarding the university administration, but they have been calmed down. The situation is under control. Further action is being taken,” he stated. The body has been sent for a post-mortem and a detailed investigation is underway.
Following the news, other students staged late-night protests on campus, voicing anger over what they alleged to be a pattern of mental pressure by administration and faculty. Demonstrators also criticized police for perceived inaction and alleged negligence in the handling of the case, resulting in heated confrontations on the grounds.
University authorities have suspended the faculty members named in the suicide note and formed a high-level committee to probe the incident, promising the “harshest possible disciplinary action” if culpability is found. In a statement, a university spokesperson conveyed “heartfelt condolences” to the bereaved family and assured a transparent investigation.
The comes days after a similar tragedy in Odisha’s Balasore district, where a female student died after setting herself on fire, reportedly due to harassment by a teacher. Both incidents have renewed calls for stronger accountability in academic institutions and better safeguards for student mental health.
The latest suicide has reignited urgent discussions across social media and educational circles about the pressures faced by students in higher education, with hashtags like #JusticeForJyoti trending regionally. Activists, alumni, and public figures have joined the chorus demanding reforms, mental health support, and stringent monitoring of staff conduct.
Helplines for mental health support have been widely circulated in news coverage, reflecting the increasing concern for campus well-being nationwide
