Hyderabad: A medical student’s death inside his hostel room at Osmania Medical College sparked protests, with his family alleging that harassment by seniors may have pushed him to take the extreme step. A 26-year-old first year postgraduate student from a tribal community was found dead in his room on Thursday morning. He had joined the MS (general surgery) programme about three months ago and was staying in the hostel attached to Osmania General Hospital. Police said that allegations of ragging and pressure from seniors were being probed.According to police, fellow students grew suspicious when he did not respond in the morning. They broke open the door and found him lying unconscious on the bed. He was immediately shifted to the casualty department, where doctors declared him dead. Based on a complaint filed by his mother, police registered a case. In her complaint, she said her son spoke to her every day. On Thursday around 8.45 am, she received a call from his friend informing her that he had been found unconscious. She rushed to the hospital along with relatives. She told police that she suspected her son may have taken the step due to pressure from senior students and sought action against those responsible. Following the incident, family members staged a protest near the mortuary, demanding justice and a thorough probe into the circumstances leading to his death. The protest caused tension on the hospital premises for some time. An investigating officer said the student had been facing depression for the past few days and was reportedly undergoing counselling. Police said statements of classmates, hostel residents and faculty would be recorded. Medical and forensic reports are awaited to determine the exact cause of death.
