Research scholar attempts suicide, cites harassment from varsity senior

P.M. Sadish Kumar, who hails from Vellore, consumed sedatives after his HoD “mentally tortured” him

P.M. Sadish Kumar, a research scholar at Visva-Bharati University who was brought to a hospital near here on Monday after he allegedly attempted suicide, was discharged on Tuesday.

The scholar, who hails from Vellore and is associated with the varsity’s Biotechnology Department, told The Hindu over telephone from Santiniketan that he had consumed sedatives after his superior had “mentally tortured” him. “I do not want to continue with Professor [Siba Prasad] Adhikary [head of the Biotechnology Department] as my guide.”

Alleges harassment

“I had sent an e-mail to Vice-Chancellor Sushanta Dattagupta and Governor M.K. Narayanan, last month, informing them of the harassment I was being subjected to… I will try suicide again if justice is not [given],” Mr. Sadish Kumar said. “I joined the University last year. I am from a poor family and had borrowed money to pursue higher studies. If [I’m] not allowed to complete my research, then my career [will be jeopardised],” he said.

The research scholar said he had started facing difficulties ever since he had sought a change of guide. He had returned to the University on Monday after a visit home and had tried to take his life shortly after. “He was found unconscious in the hostel at 3 p.m. on Monday.

The student has made certain allegations and the University is looking into it,” said Professor Sabuj Kali Sen, coordinator of the media cell of the university.

“Baseless charges”

University authorities had taken up the matter with Prof. Adhikary, who sought to dismiss the allegations as “baseless”, sources said.