Bengaluru: Police investigating the death of a 23-year-old dental student in Bengaluru have said preliminary findings suggest she died by suicide after alleged humiliation and harassment by college lecturers over her skin tone and dressing style.

The student, identified as Yashaswini, was studying in the Oral Medicine and Radiology department of a private dental college in Bommanahalli. She died on January 8. Her parents and classmates have accused faculty members of continuous harassment, discriminatory remarks, and caste-based abuse.

Following an FIR filed at Suryanagar Police Station, the college management has dismissed six lecturers, all from the Oral Medicine and Radiology department. Police said the investigation is continuing.

According to the complaint, the student was allegedly mocked with insulting comments such as, “How can someone with dark skin become a doctor?” Family members also alleged that she was verbally abused after taking a day’s leave due to eye pain, denied permission to present a seminar, and prevented from handling a radiology case.

Her mother, Parimala, demanded strict action against the accused lecturers, saying her daughter was a meritorious student who aspired to become a doctor. “"She was sensitive and feared that she might get poor marks, which would upset me. I have only one daughter. Whom should I share my grief with? No other child should face such injustice,” she said.