Mangalore: Dad blames college for girl’s death

Bangalore Mirror

Managalore, 16 April 2012: Mohammed Ali says that Mehnaz, a student of bio-technology engineering, was good in her studies and would never have ended her life unless there was some provocation from the administration.

The family of  Mehnaz, a second-year student at P A College of Engineering (PACE) in Mangalore, has blamed the administration for her suicide in the hostel on April 10. Kulai Mohammed Ali, father of Mehnaz, told Bangalore Mirror, “My daughter was very intelligent and good in her studies. She would never have thought of committing suicide unless there was some strong provocation by the administration. She died of mental torture and harassment.” FB campaign for Mehnaz.

 

Ali is an assistant general manager in a shipping firm in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. He said, “Since college was closed from April 5 to April 8, she went to her friend’s home after seeking my permission. On April 9, she attended classes. In the evening, she was summoned by the campus director, Udayan, who questioned her from 5 pm till 9 pm about going out with friends during the holidays. Next day, she was summoned by student welfare officer Farooq and was questioned from 10 am to 1 pm. Soon after this, I believe, she walked out of the chamber in tears. She went to her hostel and committed suicide. She had informed me about the harassment.”

 

He pointed out that Mehnaz was grilled for a very long duration in the absence of any lady officer and without informing her parents or guardians. “The administration has forcibly obtained various statements from her,” he alleged. “Soon after she was taken to a hospital, the administration seized her personal belongings, including a laptop, mobile phone and diary, but did not inform the police. It is apparent that college administration abetted the suicide of my daughter.”

 

A case has been registered in the Konaje police station. Well-wishers have started an online campaign to secure justice for Mehnaz. Her classmates plan to hold a protest at the college on Thursday.

 

Bangalore Mirror has been trying to get in touch with the college’s authorities for their response to the allegations. But the administrative officer refused to answer our calls or respond to text messages.