Controversy has erupted over the death of a 22-year-old, Akanksha S. Nair, in Punjab on May 17. Her family alleged that a university professor may have been involved in the circumstances leading to her death. Akanksha hailed from Dharmasthala of Dakshina Kannada.
The victim, a graduate of Lovely Professional University, Phagwara, Jalandhar, was working with SpiceJet in Delhi and was found dead on the university campus on Saturday, reportedly after falling from a hostel building.
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The victim, who studied aerospace engineering at the university, was on campus on Saturday to collect her degree certificate from the university.
Punjab police informed the victim’s family in Dharmasthala on Saturday evening that Akanksha had died, after she allegedly fell from the fourth floor of the hostel building. Her father, Surendra Nair, and other family members left for Punjab upon receiving the news.
Karnataka govt. intervenes
Meanwhile, intervening in the matter on May 19, the Karnataka Chief Secretary’s Office wrote to the Punjab Chief Secretary’s Office to conduct an investigation into the family’s allegation of abetment to suicide, by registering an FIR.
The letter by Poovitha S., Special Officer to Karnataka Chief Secretary, addressed to the PS to Punjab Chief Secretary said: “An untimely death of Akanksha, an employee of SpiceJet and a graduate of Lovely Professional University, Phagwara, Jalandhar, has been reported to this office. The death reportedly occurred when she had visited her college to collect her degree certificate. The family of the deceased has raised allegations of abetment to suicide by a professor of the college. However, it has been brought to our notice that the local police have not registered an FIR and are treating the incident merely as an unnatural death report (UDR), a suicide case. In view of the gravity of the matter and the concerns raised by the family, I request you to immediately bring this to the notice of the Chief Secretary for immediate action to ensure justice to the family of the deceased.”
Dinesh Gundu Rao, Minister in-charge of Dakshina Kannada, posted on the X on May 19 that at the outset, it appeared to be an unnatural death. “I urge the Punjab government to conduct an investigation into the death to provide justice for her mysterious death.”
The Minister said that a case relating to the death has been registered at the Jalandhar Police Station. The Karnataka government will stand with the family of Akanksha and extend necessary cooperation. “I am in touch with the Punjab government,” the Minister said. The Chief Secretary of Karnataka has discussed the matter with the Chief Secretary of Punjab. Her death is very painful, Mr. Rao said.
He, however, did not mention whether the case registered in the Jalandhar Police Station pertained to UDR or abetment to suicide.
(Those under distress and having suicidal thoughts can call Tele Manas helpline 14416 for mental health counselling.)
Published – May 19, 2025 10:51 pm IST
