Fed up with sexual harassment, a female college student commits suicide in Visakhapatnam (Andhra Pradesh)

Visakhapatnam (Andhra Pradesh) – On 29 ^th March, a 17-year-old female student from the polytechnic college in the city tragically ended her life by jumping from the college hostel building. Before taking this extreme step, she sent a heart-wrenching message to her father, revealing her ordeal of sexual abuse. In the message, she expressed her deep anguish, explaining her reluctance to report the harassment to the college or the Police due to the perpetrators possessing compromising pictures of her. She apologised to her father, fearing that any complaint could result in these pictures being circulated on social media, bringing further anguish to her family.

1. Addressing the incident, the college principal emphasised that strict measures are enforced to prevent sexual harassment within the hostel. He clarified that boys are strictly prohibited from entering the girls’ hostel and assured that comprehensive care is provided to all the students. Additionally, a female warden is appointed to oversee the hostel and ensure the safety of its residents.

2. A Police official confirmed the registration of the complaint filed by the deceased student’s father. The authorities are actively interrogating both college staff and students as part of the ongoing investigation.

Editorial Perspective

This incident highlights the lack of attention from the college administration towards female students residing in the college hostel.