BENGALURU: A student of the University of Agricultural Sciences (UAS) attempted suicide by consuming poison at his hostel room after he was suspended and not allowed to writed an exam. He was immediately shifted to a private hospital by his friends where he is now recovering in the ICU.
Shivakumar, a third-year BSc Agriculture student hailing from Koppal district, was suspended along with several others after a clash between two groups on July 16. When the matter reached the hostel warden, the dean and vice-chancellor, one group of students were immediately suspended.
Shivakumar, who was among those suspended was sent out of the examination hall when he went to write the fifth semester exam. He pleaded that he was not involved in the fracas, but to no avail. Depressed by this, he attempted suicide.
“On July 3 and 4, there was a dispute between two groups of students involving about 70-80 students and we had planned to sort it out ourselves. But the chief warden and higher officials intervened and created their own version and accused us drinking. We had given our version to the disciplinary committee, but it was not taken into account”, said one of the students. Six of the hostellers have been terminated from the hostel, he added.
Another student said Shivakumar is now recovering. “Those expelled were not allowed to write the exam. Shivakumar was depressed and we tried to cheer him up. We even took him to have tea that evening and suggested that we will give a petition. We had gone out for lunch and he went to the hostel mess. By the time we reached his room, he had consumed pesticide and he had left behind a note. We immediately shifted him to a hospital after informing the caretaker”, said another student.
Director of Education Narayanaswamy said, “We have over 3,000 students in the Gandhi Krishi Vidya Kendra (GKVK) campus and some sort of discipline is necessary. Students have to follow academic regulations and hostel rules. Ragging, drugs and alcohol are not allowed. The students were drunk and indulged in a fight. We set up a committee and conducted an inquiry after which they were suspended from the hostel. Our hostel staff have also recorded their fight. There was no pressure from the warden on the suspended students”.
Agriculture Minister said, “I will speak to the vice-chancellor and ensure justice for the students if they have been wronged.