A 19‑year‑old BSc Nursing student, Uday Motilal Aghale from Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar (Aurangabad), tragically died by suicide on June 3 in his hostel room at a private nursing college in Poyanje village, Panvel, Navi Mumbai  Following a complaint by his mother, police registered an FIR on June 11 against the college’s woman principal under sections for abetment to suicide, intentional insult provoking breach of peace, and the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act .

According to the complaint, the principal allegedly subjected Uday to sustained caste-based harassment over several months. She is accused of making derogatory remarks, calling him a drug addict, demanding ₹5 lakh in fees, and humiliating him in front of peers—including during an event attended by his mother . Police are now probing these allegations and are recording statements from other students and staff. Although she has been booked, the principal has not been arrested pending further investigation .

This case highlights serious concerns over caste discrimination and the harsh treatment of students, especially those from underrepresented communities. The inclusion of charges under the SC/ST Atrocities Act signifies recognition of casteist abuse as a grave offense.