Assistant professor found dead; husband alleges harassment by school principal

A 37-year-old assistant professor allegedly died by suicide at her residence on Friday afternoon, with her husband accusing a school principal of abetment and sustained harassment.

According to the complaint filed by Vinodkumar V. Nandaragi, professor and husband of the deceased, the incident occurred around 3.50 p.m. on February 13.

The complainant stated that his wife, Saraswathi, was working as a Kannada lecturer at Basaveshwara International Public School, located at Thammenahalli in Kithaganur. The family, including their two children, was residing in the campus quarters of a private engineering college where Vinodkumar worked.

On Friday morning, both left for work as usual. Around 3.30 p.m., Saraswathi allegedly called her husband and informed him that she was upset, stating that the school principal had used abusive language and humiliated her even though she had done nothing wrong.

When he tried to contact her again, he was informed by family members that she had locked herself inside the bedroom and was not responding. Vinodkumar rushed home and, with the help of others, forced open the door and found her dead.

She was shifted to a hospital, where doctors declared her dead.

The complainant further alleged that the principal had repeatedly humiliated his wife in front of staff on several occasions. He also accused a class teacher of physically assaulting their son and claimed that when his wife questioned the issue, she was again insulted by the principal.

A death note was reportedly found in the house, allegedly stating that she had not committed any mistake and holding the principal responsible for her death.

Based on the complaint, police have registered a case and initiated an investigation into the allegations of abetment to suicide.

(If you are in distress or having suicidal tendencies, please reach out to these 24/7 helplines: KIRAN at 1800-599-0019 or Arogya Sahayavani at 104 for help.)