A student’s suicide at Sharda University in Greater Noida has triggered protests, detentions, and a call for accountability from national leaders.
The body of the student was discovered inside a hostel room on Friday, according to Greater Noida Additional Deputy Commissioner of Police (ADCP) Sudhir Kumar. The next day, fellow students and family members gathered on campus, accusing university staff of mentally harassing the student.
Two staff members have been taken into custody for questioning, Kumar confirmed.
On Saturday, Congress leader Priyanka Gandhi posted on social media, highlighting growing concerns over student safety.
“First, a female student in Odisha was forced to take her own life, and now a similar tragic incident has come to light at Sharda University,” she wrote on X.
She questioned the overall security and psychological environment of India’s academic institutions.
“Are our educational institutions not safe for our children? How will they dream of a better life in a place where life itself is not secure?”
Gandhi also pointed to the broader gendered struggle that girls face. She urged the Centre to act firmly to prevent such incidents.
The family claims she was repeatedly humiliated by faculty.
Her brother said she had been accused of forging signatures, insulted in front of peers, and threatened with academic failure.
“Our father even visited the campus to speak with her professor and head of department,” he said. “Later we heard she was called a forger in class.”
The student’s mother has refused to leave the university grounds.
“I’ve been sitting here since 9 p.m.,” she said on Friday. “Call CM Yogi and PM Modi. I want justice for my daughter.”
An FIR has been filed based on the family’s complaint. Authorities say they have advised the university to review its protocols to prevent further incidents.
“We have told the university to implement procedures to ensure such incidents don’t happen again,” said ADCP Kumar.
Sharda University has not issued a public statement yet. Classes are still on hold, and tensions remain high. Police say the probe continues.
