Tensions reached a boiling point at Nalanda College of Engineering in Bihar’s Chandi on Wednesday night after Sonam Kumari, a 20-year-old civil engineering student, allegedly fell from the rooftop of her hostel building, resulting in her instant death under unclear circumstances.
The tragedy led to outrage among her peers, who alleged negligence and harassment by the college administration, especially the principal, Dr. Gopal Nandan. This triggered violent protests that lasted into early Thursday morning and included clashes with police and property damage. Authorities have launched a high-level investigation into the incident and accompanying allegations.
The Incident and Immediate Aftermath
Sonam, from Bariarpur block in Munger district, allegedly jumped from the third-floor hostel rooftop late on Wednesday. Her cause of death was declared on arrival at Chandi Referral Hospital, where she was rushed in an ambulance.
Sonam’s roommate recounted that Sonam had declined dinner, saying she had eaten snacks, and was later found missing with her laptop still on. When searched, her body was found lying below the hostel building. The circumstances behind the fall remain officially undetermined with police saying it could be an accident or suicide; further inquiry, including post-mortem reports and witness statements, is ongoing.
Students have accused Principal Dr. Gopal Nandan of negligence, claiming he refused to provide a college vehicle immediately after the incident to transport Sonam to medical care, reportedly saying the vehicle would “get dirty.”
This alleged delay in arranging urgent medical help is believed by many students to have contributed to the preventable loss of life. The principal has declined to comment on the matter. Authorities are also investigating reports of harassment and ragging that Sonam may have faced, which may have contributed to her distress.
Violent Protests and Police Response
Following the student’s death, hundreds of students gathered at the hospital and on campus to protest against the administration. The demonstrations escalated, and protesters smashed windows of a senior police official’s vehicle, set a scooter on fire, and clashed with police. Law enforcement used batons to disperse the crowds and reportedly prevented journalists from filming the violence.
Police forces from over 20 nearby stations were deployed to restore order, which was eventually achieved early Thursday morning. The protests involved damage estimated at over a crore rupees and saw property destruction, including vehicles and parts of the campus facilities. Students demanded strict action against the principal, holding him responsible for Sonam’s death.
Official Responses and Ongoing Investigations
Nalanda Superintendent of Police Bharat Soni confirmed that a detailed investigation is underway to determine all aspects of the incident, including administrative wrongdoing. The Hilsa Sub-Divisional Magistrate Amit Kumar Patel stated that the police are looking into all angles, including whether any negligence was involved.
Chandi Police Station officer Suman Kumar clarified that the exact cause will be established through post-mortem examination and statements from family and students. Authorities promised strict action if negligence or harassment allegations are validated. Meanwhile, Sonam’s family has refrained from public statements amid the ongoing inquiry.
The Logical Indian’s Perspective
The tragic death of Sonam Kumari sheds light on crucial systemic issues, such as the need for robust mental health support, safeguarding against harassment, and the necessity of rapid and compassionate emergency response in educational institutions.
While the grief and anger of students are entirely understandable, violence and destruction seldom lead to justice or healing. The Logical Indian advocates for addressing such tragedies with effective dialogue, transparency, and empathy to truly honour the memory of those lost.
