Daijiworld Media Network – Patna

Patna, Sep 25: A tense situation unfolded at Chandi Engineering College near Patna late Wednesday night after Sonam Kumari, a second-year civil engineering student, allegedly died by suicide following claims of harassment by the college Principal, Dr Gopal Nandan, officials said.

The 20-year-old, a resident of Bariarpur block in Munger district, reportedly jumped from the third-floor roof of the college hostel. While the exact reason remains under investigation, classmates alleged that Dr. Nandan had been threatening students and pressuring them to stay silent rather than addressing grievances.

Students claimed that Sonam lay injured for nearly 30 minutes after the fall and that the Principal refused to provide the college vehicle to take her to the hospital. She was eventually rushed to a local referral hospital, where doctors declared her dead on arrival.

The incident sparked violent protests on campus, with enraged students damaging a DSP’s vehicle and setting a scooter on fire, demanding action against Dr. Nandan. Authorities deployed ASP Mohammad Nurul Haq, three DSPs, and police personnel from 20 stations to control the unrest. The situation was brought under control early Thursday morning.

Nalanda Superintendent of Police Bharat Soni confirmed a high-level investigation, while Chandi Police Station in-charge Suman Kumar said the post-mortem and statements from students and parents will determine the exact cause of death. Meanwhile, Shikha Kumari, a close friend of the deceased, has been admitted to Patna Medical College and Hospital for mental health support.

Authorities assured strict action if harassment or negligence is proven.