Sharda University Student Suicide: Faculty Arrested After Harassment Allegations in Suicide Note

The corridors of Sharda University in Greater Noida are heavy with grief and outrage following the tragic death by suicide of 21-year-old dental student Jyoti Sharma. Found hanging in her hostel room late on July 18th, the second-year BDS student left behind a devastating suicide note naming two faculty members, alleging relentless mental harassment and humiliation as the catalyst for her desperate act. This Sharda University student suicide has ignited nationwide demands for justice and exposed deep concerns about academic pressure and student welfare.

The Tragic Incident and Immediate Fallout

Jyoti Sharma, a resident of Gurugram studying at the School of Dental Sciences, was discovered by hostel mates in her room on the 12th floor of the Mandela Girls Hostel around 9:00 PM. Authorities from the Knowledge Park Police Station swiftly responded. During their investigation, a suicide note was recovered, painting a harrowing picture of the young student’s final months. In her own words, Jyoti explicitly blamed Assistant Professors Dr. Shairy Vashist (Prosthodontics) and Dr. Mahinder Singh Chauhan (Prosthodontics) for her death.

• “Mahendra Sir and Sharg Ma’am are responsible for my death. They mentally harassed and humiliated me,” the note stated, according to police reports shared with media outlets like News24 and The Indian Express.
• Jyoti detailed prolonged stress, accusations of signing fraudulent documents, public humiliation, and threats of failing her practical examinations, creating an unbearable environment.
• A forensic team processed the scene, and Jyoti’s body was sent for post-mortem examination.

The university administration, led by Director Dr. Ajit Kumar, issued a statement expressing profound condolences to the family. Simultaneously, they announced the immediate suspension of Dr. Vashist and Dr. Chauhan and the formation of a high-level committee under the Vice-Chancellor to investigate the allegations. “We share the grief of the family and assure them that the university will take strict action based on the findings of the committee,” Dr. Kumar stated.

Who Are the Accused Professors?

The suicide note brought intense scrutiny upon the two named faculty members:

1. Dr. Shairy Vashist: An Assistant Professor in Dental Sciences, Dr. Vashist graduated from Sudha Rustagi College of Dental Sciences and Research, Faridabad (2012-2017) and completed her MDS in Prosthodontics at Sharda University (2019-2022), where she was awarded a Gold Medal and recognized as a Distinction Holder. Her academic profile highlighted expertise, contrasting sharply with the grave allegations.
2. Dr. Mahinder Singh Chauhan: Also an Assistant Professor in Dental Sciences, Dr. Chauhan holds BDS and MDS (Prosthodontics) degrees from Rama Dental College, Kanpur (graduated 2015). He had been employed at Sharda University’s School of Dental Sciences since December 2020.

Acting on a formal complaint filed by Jyoti Sharma’s devastated family, the Greater Noida Police arrested both professors. Additional DCP (Greater Noida) confirmed the arrests, stating they were made “on the basis of the complaint lodged by the student’s family members” against the university staff. Charges under relevant sections of the Indian Penal Code, including abetment to suicide, are expected.

Family’s Anguish and Allegations of Systemic Harassment

Jyoti Sharma’s family has been vocal in their grief and anger, alleging a pattern of academic harassment and institutional failure. Her brother, Akshay Sharma, provided chilling details:

• He claimed a professor had recently accused Jyoti of forging signatures on assignments.
• “My father came on Monday and spoke with the HOD. Yesterday morning, he spoke to Jyoti. Later, we heard from her batchmates that teachers taunted her about forgery and threatened to fail her in practicals. She was mentally pressured,” Akshay stated.
• The family’s protest at the university reportedly led to a police lathi-charge, an allegation confirmed by Jyoti’s mother, Sunita Sharma, in an emotional plea: “I want justice for my daughter… Police lathi-charged us, which is unacceptable. All BDS students are now scared and want to return home.”

The family’s narrative underscores the intense pressure Jyoti faced and their belief that the university environment failed to protect her.

Institutional Response and Ongoing Investigations

While Sharda University’s suspension of the accused professors and internal inquiry are initial steps, questions linger about systemic oversight and student support mechanisms. The swift police action, resulting in arrests, indicates the seriousness with which authorities are treating the allegations based on the suicide note.

• The Knowledge Park Police Station investigation is ongoing, focusing on verifying the contents of the suicide note, gathering witness testimonies from students and staff, and examining any prior complaints against the professors.
• The university’s internal committee faces pressure to conduct a transparent and thorough investigation, with its findings likely to influence broader policy changes regarding faculty-student interactions and mental health support.

Social media has erupted with the hashtag #JusticeForJyotiSharma, reflecting widespread public outrage and demanding accountability not just from the individuals named, but also from the institution. The case has sparked urgent conversations about the mental health pressures faced by medical students in India’s demanding academic environment.

The tragic death of Jyoti Sharma at Sharda University is a stark reminder of the devastating human cost of unchecked harassment and the critical need for robust mental health support systems within educational institutions. As investigations proceed against the arrested professors, this case demands not only justice for Jyoti but also systemic reforms to ensure no other student feels driven to such despair. Universities must prioritize creating safe, supportive environments where students can thrive without fear. If you or someone you know is struggling, please reach out to a mental health professional or contact a crisis helpline immediately.

Must Know: Key Questions on the Sharda University Tragedy

H2: Must Know

Q1: Who was Jyoti Sharma and what happened to her?
Jyoti Sharma was a 21-year-old second-year Bachelor of Dental Surgery (BDS) student at Sharda University in Greater Noida. Tragically, she died by suicide in her university hostel room on the evening of July 18, 2025. She left behind a suicide note alleging severe mental harassment by two faculty members.

Q2: Which Sharda University professors were named, and what happened to them?
Jyoti named Dr. Shairy Vashist and Dr. Mahinder Singh Chauhan, both Assistant Professors in the Dental Sciences department, in her suicide note. The university immediately suspended both professors. Based on the family’s complaint and the suicide note, the Greater Noida Police arrested both individuals. An investigation is ongoing.

Q3: What specific allegations did Jyoti Sharma make in her suicide note?
The suicide note detailed prolonged mental harassment and humiliation by the two professors. Specific allegations included false accusations of forging signatures on assignments, public shaming, threats of failing her in practical examinations, and creating unbearable stress that led to her decision to end her life.

Q4: How has Sharda University responded to the student suicide?
University Director Dr. Ajit Kumar expressed condolences to the family. Sharda University suspended the accused professors and constituted a high-level internal inquiry committee led by the Vice-Chancellor to investigate the circumstances surrounding Jyoti Sharma’s death and the allegations against the faculty.

Q5: What are Jyoti Sharma’s family saying?
Jyoti’s family alleges she was subjected to intense academic harassment. Her brother stated she was falsely accused of forgery and threatened with failure. Her mother described the immense mental pressure Jyoti faced and demanded justice, also alleging police used force (lathi-charge) against them during protests at the university.

Q6: What legal actions have been taken?
The Greater Noida Police, specifically the Knowledge Park Police Station, registered a case based on the family’s complaint and the evidence of the suicide note. Dr. Vashist and Dr. Chauhan were arrested. The investigation is active, focusing on charges potentially including abetment to suicide.

If you are experiencing emotional distress or suicidal thoughts, please seek help immediately. Contact a trusted person, a mental health professional, or call a crisis helpline like Vandrevala Foundation (India) at 1860 2662 345 or 1800 2333 330.