NHRC Orders UGC, Police to Act on Student's Death

Hyderabad:The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has directed the University Grants Commission (UGC) and the Rachakonda police commissioner to take appropriate action on a complaint alleging that harassment by college staff preceded the death of an engineering student in Telangana, and to inform the complainant of the action taken within eight weeks.

The commission issued the direction after examining a complaint filed by Hyderabad-based Devarala Yadav regarding the death of M. Praneeth, a 21-year-old third-year engineering student of Sri Indu Engineering College in Ibrahimpatnam, Rangareddy district.

In its communication dated June 17, the NHRC said the complaint had been placed before the Commission and was being transmitted to the concerned authorities for action deemed appropriate. It directed the authorities to take necessary steps, associate the complainant and victim’s side in the process, and communicate the outcome within eight weeks.

According to the complaint, Praneeth allegedly died by suicide on April 19 at Hayathnagar. The representation cited media reports and alleged that the student had been subjected to mental harassment and coercion by a staff member over payment of a condonation fee linked to attendance shortage. The complaint further alleged that the student’s family had held the college management responsible and sought an inquiry into the role of the institution and its staff.

The complainant urged authorities to ensure a fair investigation and sought action if any violations of student rights or institutional safeguards were established. “The matter requires a thorough inquiry and accountability if lapses are found,” the complaint stated.

The NHRC has not made any findings on the allegations. The matter will now be examined by the UGC and the concerned police authorities, which have been asked to take appropriate action and submit their response within the stipulated period.