Adilabad student dies by suicide after dispute over Rs 10,000 bar bill
In a video recorded before his death, Sai Teja alleged that he was threatened, insulted and forced to consume alcohol
By - Newsmeter Network
Representational Image
Hyderabad: A second-year engineering student of a private college in Ghatkesar died by suicide in his hostel room on Sunday evening, allegedly after being assaulted by friends and forced to contribute towards a bar bill.
The 19-year-old victim has been identified as Jhadav Sai Teja, a native of Adilabad district from a Scheduled Tribe community. He reportedly left behind a selfie video detailing his ordeal.
Video records last words
In the video, retrieved from his phone, the student said he was beaten up by his batchmates and juniors after an argument over a Rs 10,000 bar bill. He alleged that he was compelled to call his father, a farmer in Adilabad, to transfer Rs 1,500 to settle part of the amount.
Altercation at party
Police said the incident occurred between 4 pm and 8 pm on Sunday. “At the gathering, which included juniors and batchmates, an argument broke out over sharing the bill. At one point, outsiders were also called in,” said PV Padmaja Reddy, Deputy Commissioner of Police (Malkajgiri Zone).
Hostel tragedy
After returning from the party, the student locked himself in his hostel room. His friends later found him unresponsive when they broke in after he failed to emerge for a long time.
Case against nine students
Acting on a complaint filed by the victim’s father, police on Monday booked nine students for abetment of suicide, extortion, and offences under the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act.
“In the video, the student mentioned one person named Chinna and others, but did not give further names. We are in the process of identifying all those present at the party and determining their role in abetting the suicide,” said Medipally inspector R Govinda Reddy. “We are also checking how many of the nine accused are his college mates.”
Student bodies demand action
Student associations have condemned the incident and urged authorities to take strict action against the perpetrators, calling for measures to prevent such tragedies in educational institutions.
