By Neeraj Kumar
Patna: Following the death of Pallavi Reddy, a third-semester Electronics and Communication Engineering student at NIT Patna Bihta campus, students protested at the institute’s Patna campus. The administration has remained silent on the incident, while the police have classified it as a suicide.
Students have accused the college authorities of attempting to suppress the incident. They are demanding a formal statement from the college director, transparency in the investigation, and improved security and medical facilities.
Student Drishti voiced concerns about the lack of safety measures, stating that the administration should prioritise the welfare of students. She demanded that a student council be formed and that the college provide full medical facilities and counselling services for students. Additionally, Drishti stressed the importance of informing the deceased’s family and conducting a thorough investigation into the matter.
Another student, Vitika, expressed her frustration with the administration’s silence, demanding an apology from the college director. She highlighted the poor conditions in the hostel, where four students are cramped into rooms meant for two. She also mentioned incidents where girls were injured by ceiling fans due to the lack of space.
Sukesh, a student, questioned the administration’s decision to shift female students to the Bihta campus despite the facility being incomplete. He pointed out the lack of security, with labourers loitering around the girls’ hostel. He also noted that the labourers were found sleeping in the hostel during Vishwakarma Puja, further emphasising the unsafe environment for female students.
The timeline of events following Pallavi’s death has raised further concerns. The incident reportedly occurred around 8:30 PM, but the police were informed two hours later, at 10:30 PM. Additionally, the hostel’s Wi-Fi was shut down, and the student’s parents were not immediately notified. Instead, her roommates contacted the family. Students also allege that their phones were confiscated, and they were locked in a room.
Pallavi’s friend, Sneha, described her as a cheerful and spiritual individual with a strong academic record. She dismissed the idea that academic pressure or a romantic relationship could be the cause of Pallavi’s death. Sneha called for a thorough investigation, suspecting foul play given the discrepancies surrounding the incident.
In response to the protests, NIT Patna issued a statement expressing grief over the loss. The institute stated that Pallavi had been taken to ESIC Hospital, Bihta, where she was declared dead. The police found a suicide note in her room, which has since been sealed. The authorities assured that all evidence is being safeguarded by female police officers stationed outside the room.
NIT Patna has also taken steps to improve campus security, banning outsiders from entering the Bihta campus. The administration has pledged to support Pallavi’s family and to address student concerns regarding medical facilities at the campus. Two students, affected by the incident, were treated at ESIC Hospital and have since recovered.
The incident has sparked widespread concern, with students continuing to demand accountability and action from the college administration.
