A final-year BDS student, Shweta Singh, pursuing her degree at Pacific Dental College in Udaipur, was found dead by suicide in her hostel room late Thursday night. Her tragic death has triggered massive protests and renewed scrutiny of administrative practices at the institution.
A suicide note recovered from the scene accuses college staff of prolonged mental harassment spanning over two years. The note outlines several serious allegations, including manipulation of exam schedules, intentional failure of students, coercive fee collection practices, and ongoing pressure on students facing financial difficulties. Two faculty members were specifically named in the note for allegedly spearheading the abuse.
Shweta was discovered unresponsive by her roommate around 11 p.m. and was later declared dead at a local hospital. An investigation has been launched by Sukher Police, who are awaiting the arrival of her family to proceed with a post-mortem and further inquiry.
In the wake of her death, hundreds of students took to the campus streets on Friday, blocking roads, shouting slogans, and demanding justice for Shweta. Protesters have called for immediate dismissal of the accused staff members, a complete probe into the institution's practices, and sweeping reforms to address what they describe as a culture of exploitation and abuse.
Facing mounting pressure, the college director assured students that those found guilty would be terminated. The chairman of the institution also acknowledged several ongoing administrative issues, including delayed exams and irregular evaluation systems, and promised corrective action within two to three months.
The incident has thrown a spotlight on the mental toll such institutional practices take on students, sparking broader debates about accountability and student welfare in India’s medical and dental education system.