Solan: Anger continues to grow against the administration of Shoolini University following the alleged suicide of a former student, as protests intensified on campus and police widened their investigation into the case.
The deceased, Nitin Chauhan, a resident of Rohru in Shimla district, had completed his MBA from the university and was working after securing placement through campus placement. Students have alleged that the deceased was promised a monthly salary of ₹50,000 but was paid significantly less, besides being subjected to demanding night shifts that left him under severe mental stress.
Protests erupted on campus, with students raising slogans against the administration and demanding strict action. Many accused the university administration of misleading them about placement and also failing to address grievances related to it. The protesters also demanded the removal of Vice President Avnee, holding the administration accountable for the circumstances leading to Chauhan’s death.
According to police, the deceased was brought dead to the Regional Hospital. Initial investigation revealed that he died by hanging. Apart from ligature marks on the neck, no other injuries were found. Police recovered a mobile phone, a rope, and a diary from his rented accommodation. A suicide note was found in the diary.
The recovered materials, along with viscera, have been sent to the State Forensic Science Laboratory (SFSL), Junga, for further analysis. The body was handed over to the family after post-mortem.
Police have initiated proceedings under Section 194 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS). In view of the allegations raised by students, a case of abetment to suicide has also been registered against the university administration, and all angles are being investigated.
Meanwhile, Pro-Chancellor Vishal Anand said that the university has removed the accused officer from her responsibilities and reassigned her duties to the Vice-Chancellor. The move comes in response to the serious allegations raised by students following the suicide of MBA graduate Nitin Chauhan.
He further informed that the university has constituted a committee to coordinate with authorities and assist in identifying the circumstances that led to the suicide. The panel will work alongside the ongoing police investigation to examine all aspects related to the case.
