Pune PhD Scholar's Suicide Linked to Alleged Harassment by Scientist
Two days before Pune PhD scholar died by suicide, accused scientist submitted apology on ‘affidavit’
The Indian Express
Image: The Indian Express
A PhD scholar from Pune tragically died by suicide two days after the head of the Botanical Survey of India, A Benniamin, submitted an affidavit apologizing for alleged harassment. The scientist's apology, made in the presence of witnesses, raises serious concerns about workplace conduct and the pressures faced by students.
- 01A PhD scholar at the Botanical Survey of India died by suicide after reporting harassment.
- 02Scientist A Benniamin submitted an affidavit apologizing for his conduct just two days before her death.
- 03The scholar's father revealed she had not previously disclosed the harassment to her family.
- 04Benniamin assured the student of his cooperation in completing her thesis.
- 05The incident highlights the challenges faced by students in academic environments.
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A tragic incident unfolded in Pune, India, where a PhD scholar at the Botanical Survey of India (BSI) died by suicide, allegedly due to harassment by her supervisor, A Benniamin. Just two days prior to her death, Benniamin submitted an affidavit, apologizing for his 'improper, unethical conduct and misbehaviour at the workplace.' This affidavit was signed in front of a notary and witnesses, including the scholar's father, who revealed that his daughter had never previously disclosed the harassment. The scientist's apology included assurances of respect for professional boundaries and cooperation in the completion of her thesis, which is due by May 2026. The father expressed his deep concern over his daughter's silence regarding the harassment, suggesting she may have felt pressured to endure it to avoid jeopardizing her academic progress. The scholar was found dead in her room shortly after expressing her intent to retrieve materials for her thesis, raising serious questions about the support systems in place for students facing such challenges.
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This incident underscores the urgent need for protective measures and support systems for students facing harassment in academic settings.
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