Students demand justice for Aditya, slam PES varsity

NT Correspondent

Bengaluru: Alarge number of students and activists gathered at the Freedom Park on Sunday, demanding that the PES University name and suspend the staff responsible for the alleged suicide of Aditya, and also for the police to begin legal proceedings against the accused.

Aditya, a student of the PES University in Bengaluru, died by suicide on July 17 after he was accused of cheating by using a mobile phone during an examination.

The incident sparked outrage on social media, with the parents of the deceased and many other people accusing the college authorities of mental harassment and abetment of suicide.

The management board of PES University is facing a lawsuit from Asha Prabhu and Girish Prabhu , the parents of Aditya Prabhu, an engineering student who tragically took his own life by jumping from the eighth floor of the college building.

Soon after they were alleged to have mentally harassed the student, the university's management board issued a clarification vehemently denying the allegations and calling them 'baseless.'

An FIR filed by the victim’s father, Girish, said that Aditya was “left unattended without any supervision after the mental harassment.” Supporters of Aditya, including his parents, friends, and various organisations, demanded justice for his death under the hashtag #justiceforadityaprabhu.

During the protest, Girish Prabhu spoke out, urging action against those responsible and a change in protocols at the university to ensure such incidents are not repeated. He emphasised the need for fair treatment of both students and their parents and demanded the suspension of those found guilty.

A complaint was also filed with the Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP), South Division, Krishnakanth, regarding the matter.

Aditya's mother expressed her hope for a thorough police investigation to uncover the truth. She alleged that the college had not responded to the incident until it gained traction on social media, and she gave a press statement expressing her grief over losing a promising student who aspired to pursue higher studies.

In their press release, the governing body of PES University had offered condolences to Aditya Prabhu's family and acknowledged the pain felt by staff and students.

They highlighted Aditya's excellent academic record and once again refuted the allegations against the university as baseless.