Faridkot College Student's Death Sparks Protests; Family Alleges Harassment by Youthsਫ਼ਰੀਦਕੋਟ ਕਾਲਜ ਵਿਦਿਆਰਥਣ ਦੀ ਮੌਤ 'ਤੇ ਰੋਸ, ਪਰਿਵਾਰ ਦਾ ਮੁੰਡਿਆਂ ਵੱਲੋਂ ਤੰਗ ਕਰਨ ਦਾ ਦੋਸ਼

A 22-year-old final-year BA student at Government Brijindra College in Faridkot died by suicide at her home this week, and on Thursday, October 8, hundreds of students took to the streets demanding arrests, after her family said she had been harassed by youths on her way to college.

What happened in Faridkot?

The Tribune reported that the student died at her residence in Mohalla Sethian on Tuesday afternoon. Her family told police she had been under stress because a group of boys had been harassing her. Police registered a case against unidentified persons under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita and are examining her phone records to identify them.

What did the father tell police?

According to the complaint filed by her father, she had told the family that two or three boys were troubling her but did not name them. The Times of India reported that Faridkot SP (Investigations) Narinder Singh confirmed a case of abetment to suicide had been registered against unknown persons and that the investigation was on.

Why are students protesting?

Members of the Punjab Students Union (PSU) marched in Faridkot on Thursday and handed a memorandum to the Senior Superintendent of Police, India Today reported. They demanded immediate arrest of those responsible, special police drives against harassers, and more CCTV cameras and patrolling around college gates. They warned of a wider agitation if action was delayed.

What happens next?

No arrests had been reported in the coverage Jugti reviewed. Investigators are tracing the youths through phone records and statements. The case again raises the question of safety for women students on routes to colleges across Punjab.

Where can people get support?

Anyone struggling with distress can speak to a trusted person or a local helpline. In India, Tele-MANAS offers free counselling on 14416.

What charge has been registered in the Faridkot student case?

A case of abetment to suicide has been registered against unidentified persons, police said.

What are students demanding?

Immediate arrests, special drives against harassment and stronger CCTV surveillance outside colleges.

Has anyone been arrested?

Not in the reports reviewed so far; police are examining phone records to identify the accused.