PINAKI MAJUMDAR
Jamshedpur, Aug 23: Tension prevailed at the Manipal Tata Medical College, Baridih, on Saturday after the suicide of third-year MBBS student, Divyanshu Pandey, a native of Samastipur, Bihar.
Students blocked the main gate of the college, alleging that Divyanshu was driven to take the extreme step due to mental harassment by Dr. Vinay, a faculty member.
According to students, Divyanshu, who was bright and well-liked among peers, consumed poison in his hostel room late Thursday night after facing continuous humiliation and pressure.
His body was sent for postmortem on Friday, following which his family took the remains back to Samastipur.
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From around 10 a.m. on Saturday, hundreds of students gathered at the college gate, shouting slogans and demanding strict action.
They claimed that despite repeatedly informing the administration about Dr. Vinay’s alleged harassment, no action was taken and the matter was brushed aside.
The protesting students asserted that Divyanshu’s death was not an isolated incident but a result of institutional negligence and systemic harassment.
They demanded legal action against Dr. Vinay and the formation of an impartial inquiry committee.
They also highlighted lapses in basic facilities, stating that while the college has an ambulance, it often lacks a driver on duty.
The students warned of escalating their agitation, including a boycott of classes, if their demands are not met promptly.
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Local police rushed to the spot and attempted to pacify the agitating students, but the crowd refused to relent.
Authorities have deployed additional police personnel around the campus to prevent any untoward incident.
The episode has once again drawn attention to the issue of mental stress, harassment, and lack of institutional support in medical colleges.
Students have vowed to continue their protest until Divyanshu receives justice.