A 24-year-old first-year master's student of Maulana Abul Kalam Azad University of Technology (MAKAUT), Sayani Sen, allegedly died by suicide on Monday evening by jumping from the fifth floor of a campus building. The incident took place around 7 PM at the university in Haringhata, Nadia. Following the tragedy, students staged a protest and blocked National Highway 12, demanding action and safety measures.
According to student allegations, Sayani was harassed by a professor during an examination earlier that day. Hours later, she reportedly jumped from the building. Fellow students rushed her to Haringhata Rural Hospital, where doctors declared her dead on arrival. The news spread rapidly across campus, triggering outrage and demonstrations.
Protesting students raised concerns over the absence of a permanent ambulance service on campus, which they claim delayed medical assistance. “We had informed the authorities before about the need for a permanent ambulance. They assured us there would be one, but there wasn’t,” said student Suman Sarkar. Protesters argued that quicker medical attention might have saved her life.
Haringhata police reached the university premises to manage the protest and assured students of a thorough investigation. After police intervention, students lifted the highway blockade. Officers have started inquiries into the circumstances surrounding the incident, including the allegations of harassment and the administrative response.
The university administration has not issued an official statement regarding the incident. No response has been received from the registrar or vice-chancellor. Meanwhile, police are collecting statements from students, faculty, and staff to determine the sequence of events leading to the student's death.