The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), India has taken suo motu cognisance of a media report that on 22nd March, 2025, a third year Nursing student died after three months in coma, following a suicide attempt in the hostel room amidst allegations of harassment by the warden on in Kasaragod district of Kerala. The victim was initially admitted to a private hospital in Mangaluru before being shifted to Kozhikode Medical College where she remained in a critical condition till her death.

The Commission has observed that the contents of the news report, if true, raise a serious issue of violation of human rights of the victim student. Therefore, it has issued notices to the Chief Secretary and the Director General of Police, Kerala calling for a report in the matter, within four weeks.

According to the media report, carried on 23rd March, 2025, the fellow students have reportedly accused the hostel management of harassment of the student at workplace. They have alleged that the deceased was subjected to mental harassment by the hostel warden even when she was not well.

*****

NSK