Distressed Over Affair With Professor Rumours, Karnataka Student Kills Self

A 22-year-old medical student died by suicide at her residence in Karnataka over alleged mental harassment by her classmates who spread rumours about her having an affair with a professor.

Nikhitha M U was pursuing her final year of Bachelor of Ayurvedic Medicine and Surgery (BAMS) at Raghavendra Ayurvedic College in Karnataka's Malladihalli.

According to a complaint filed by the student's father, Umashankar G N - a headmaster - Nikhitha used to share a good rapport with a lecturer at her college, identified as Dr Raju. Some of her classmates allegedly spread rumours suggesting an affair between the two, he said.

Umashankar alleged that the repeated taunts and circulation of such claims among the classmates caused humiliation and emotional distress to his daughter. 

Despite being counselled by her parents to ignore such remarks and focus on her studies, the alleged harassment and her distress reportedly continued.

Unable to cope with the mental stress, Nikhitha, on Wednesday, around 11 am, died by suicide.

A suicide note was found in her room that detailed her distress.

A complaint has been filed, in which Umashankar named the classmates allegedly responsible for his daughter's death and sought legal action against them.