A second-year Bachelor of Dental Surgery (BDS) student at Sharda University in Greater Noida, Jyoti Sharma, allegedly died by suicide on the night of July 18, 2025. The 21-year-old student, originally from Gurugram, left behind a detailed suicide note accusing two faculty members of sustained humiliation and mental harassment. In her note, she named the teachers of PCP and Dental Materials, stating she had endured prolonged stress and humiliation that ultimately drove her to take this step.
Police registered a case at the Knowledge Park Police Station after receiving the report. Acting on Jyoti’s family’s complaint, the two staff members named in the note were arrested. A forensic team examined the hostel room to collect potential evidence, and Jyoti’s body was sent for post-mortem. Authorities have assured Jyoti’s family and fellow students of a transparent and thorough investigation.
News of Jyoti’s death sparked protests on campus late into the night. Students demanded accountability and highlighted what they described as a broader culture of mental pressure within the university. Many expressed that such incidents were not isolated and called for an impartial probe.
In response to the outrage, Sharda University immediately suspended the two staff members named by Jyoti. The administration has formed a high-power internal inquiry committee and pledged full cooperation with police and statutory investigations. The university conveyed its deep sorrow over Jyoti’s death and reaffirmed its commitment to student welfare.
This incident has once again brought the issue of mental health in Indian academic institutions to the forefront, echoing a similar recent tragedy in Odisha. For anyone in need of support, mental health helplines such as the Vandrevala Foundation (9999666555) and TISS iCall (022-25521111) remain available.