Ballari polytechnic student dies by suicide, protest erupts

Ballari: A student of Sanjay Gandhi Polytechnic College here allegedly died by suicide at his house late Tuesday night.The deceased is Aravind, 19, a resident of Guggarahatti. Following the incident, students expressed anger against the college management on Wednesday and damaged furniture on the campus. According to police sources, a minor argument took place among students in the college on Tuesday. In connection with the incident, one of the heads of the department (HOD) and a professor called Aravind's parents to the college. Aravind's brother Ganesh alleged that the college authorities warned his parets that Aravind would not be given admission for the next year. During the meeting, Aravind's mother reportedly fell at the principal's feet and sought forgiveness, but the principal behaved rudely with them. Upset by the incident, Aravind allegedly hanged himself at his house on Tuesday night, Ganesh alleged. On Wednesday morning, the college organised a condolence meeting for Aravind. After the meeting ended, students raised slogans against the college management and protested on the campus. They broke the window glass of the principal's office and alleged that strict disciplinary action and humiliation by the HOD and lecturers directly led to Aravind's death. Police from Brucepet police station visited the college and brought the situation under control. Although a case was registered, the college management has remained tight-lipped over the incident and did not issue a formal statement. Photos 11-Students protest 11-Aravind