Four, including college Owner and Principal, booked in Bhiwani Student suicide case: Krishan Bedi

In a heartbreaking incident, a 22-year-old Dalit student from Bhiwani, Haryana, ended her life after being denied permission to appear in exams by her college authorities over unpaid fees. The incident took place on December 24, 2024, when the Bachelor of Arts (BA) student, in her fifth semester, hanged herself from a ceiling fan at her home. Her family alleges that the college refused to grant her more time to pay the pending fees, amounting to ₹35,000.

The father of the deceased revealed that he had requested the college authorities for an extension to pay the fees, but his plea was rejected. Following the tragic death, the police registered a First Information Report (FIR) against four individuals associated with the college: the owner, his son, his daughter, and the principal.

Political blame game

Haryana’s social justice and empowerment minister, Krishan Bedi, addressed the media regarding the case. He criticized opposition leaders, particularly from the Congress party, for allegedly defending the accused. He highlighted that the individuals managing the college are closely associated with Rajvir Singh Fartiya, a Congress MLA from Loharu.

Bedi accused Congress leaders, including Randeep Surjewala and Kumari Selja, of politicizing the tragedy. He urged them to demand strict action against the accused instead of shielding them. “The college claims to provide free education and transportation to girls, but the reality is far from their promises,” Bedi stated. He added that several videos on social media depict the college’s previous claims about free education.

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The college’s refusal to allow the student to sit for her exams due to unpaid fees has drawn widespread condemnation. According to reports, the institution’s management had earlier claimed to support free education for girls. However, these promises were not upheld in the student’s case.

The deceased’s family has accused local Congress MLA Rajvir Singh Fartiya of interfering in the police investigation. They claim that his influence is obstructing justice. Meanwhile, Bedi directly attacked former chief minister Bhupinder Singh Hooda, suggesting that he should question his party’s MLA rather than politicizing the issue.

Police investigation underway

The police are actively investigating the case. Bedi assured that action is being taken against the culprits. He emphasized the need for accountability and urged political leaders to refrain from using the tragedy for personal or political gain.

The case has sparked a debate over the accountability of educational institutions and the responsibilities of political representatives. It has also raised questions about the promises made by colleges regarding support for students, especially those from marginalized communities.

The girl’s death serves as a grim reminder of the challenges faced by students who are unable to meet financial demands. The case continues to unfold as authorities probe deeper into the circumstances leading to this tragic loss.