“Mom, Dad, take care of yourselves.” Those were the final words of Nitin Chauhan, an MBA student at Shoolini University, during a haunting last phone call to his parents before he was found dead by suicide.
The tragedy has sparked a massive outcry against the private university’s administration, with the victim’s family alleging that systemic harassment and a fraudulent job placement drove their only son to the brink. On Wednesday, as the family gathered for Shudhikaran (purification) rituals following Nitin’s cremation, the grief turned into a demand for accountability.
According to a report published in the media Nitin’s father, Kalyan Singh Chauhan, leveled grave allegations against the institution, asserting that his son was subjected to extreme mental pressure. “My son was cheated in the name of a job placement. He was under so much stress that he felt he had no choice but to end his life,” Chauhan said. “I have lost my son today, but I want a fair investigation so that no other parent has to face this agony.”
According to the family, Nitin’s ordeal began with a placement promised by the university. While he was told the position offered a monthly salary of ₹50,000, the reality was starkly different.
The family claims Nitin was forced to perform menial tasks, including cleaning and mopping, at the company. His salary was reportedly slashed to ₹25,000, and he was coerced into working as late as 2:30 AM. When Nitin approached the university management for help regarding the exploitation, his parents say he was met with further harassment instead of support.
Suicide Note Names Faculty
A suicide note recovered by the family reportedly details the specific sources of Nitin’s distress. His mother, Promila Chauhan, stated that Nitin had frequently complained about a faculty member, identified as ‘Avni Mam,’ who allegedly targeted him.
“My son always told me that Avni Mam was torturing him at the university,” Promila said. “I told him to leave everything and come home, but he was determined to complete his MBA and stand on his own two feet.”
Campus Unrest and Administrative Backlash
The tragedy has ignited a firestorm on the Shoolini University campus. Student protesters, identified as members of the Gen-Z cohort, staged a day-long demonstration on Wednesday, demanding justice for their peer and slamming the management’s negligence.
The tension escalated when the university’s elderly Chancellor, Prem Kumar Khosla, was seen charging toward protesting students in an attempt to silence them during a sit-in. Khosla expressed outrage at the students, stating it was “not right” for them to raise slogans against the very institution where they are receiving their education.
Solan Police have confirmed that an FIR has been registered against the university administration. “A case has been filed, and an active investigation is currently underway to determine the circumstances leading to the student’s death,” a police spokesperson stated.
While approximately eight representatives from Shoolini University visited the Chauhan residence on Wednesday, the family remains steadfast in their pursuit of a criminal probe into the faculty and placement cell.
