Dalit Student Suicide Case: Investigation Committee Reaches College

A tragic incident from Haryana's Loharu has drawn attention to alleged discrimination in educational institutions as authorities launch a dual-pronged investigation into the death by suicide of a Dalit student. The victim, Diksha, was a final-year BA student at Sharda Mahila College in Singhani village who took the extreme step on December 24, reportedly after being denied permission to appear for examinations due to pending fees.

Committee Launches On-Site Investigation

The Deputy Commissioner of Bhiwani has constituted a special committee headed by Sub-Divisional Magistrate (SDM) Manoj Dalal to investigate the matter. The committee, which includes the Sub-Divisional Police Officer of Loharu and an Education Officer, visited Sharda College to probe two specific aspects - why the student was denied a roll number and the circumstances leading to her being barred from taking examinations. 

Police Make Key Arrests 

In a significant development, police have arrested Hanuman, the brother-in-law of Congress MLA Rajbir Fartia, along with the main accused Rahul. According to police investigations, Rahul had been repeatedly harassing the victim through phone calls, including one made shortly before her death. The DSP revealed that Rahul had three previous cases of cyber fraud registered against him.

Family's Financial Struggle and College's Response 

The victim's father, Jagdish, belonging to a Scheduled Caste community, stated in his police complaint that financial constraints prevented them from paying the college fees on time. He alleged that the college administration's decision to deny his daughter examination participation and subsequent removal from the college led to her mental distress, ultimately resulting in her taking the extreme step.

Security Measures and Ongoing Investigation

The SDM has assured that police have been instructed to maintain vigilance against any troublemakers outside the college premises. The committee is expected to submit its findings to the Bhiwani Deputy Commissioner soon, while police continue their investigation into both the institutional and harassment aspects of the case.