A 30-year-old PhD student was found dead at her residence in Chinchwad, Pune, on Saturday, in an apparent case of suicide. Following the discovery of a suicide note, police have arrested her research guide, a senior scientist at the Botanical Survey of India (BSI), on charges of molestation and mental harassment.
Arrest and Legal Action
The accused has been identified as Dr. A. Benniamin, the head of office at the BSI located in Koregaon Park. Following a complaint filed by the victim’s father, the Pune police registered an FIR and took the scientist into custody.
Dr. Benniamin has been charged under the following sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS):
- Section 108: Abetment of suicide
- Section 74: Assault or criminal force to a woman with intent to outrage her modesty
Details of the Allegations
According to the FIR, the victim had been subjected to alleged misbehavior, illicit acts, and persistent mental harassment by her guide since August 2025. The student, who had been pursuing her PhD for the last two years, reportedly left a suicide note explicitly naming Dr. Benniamin as the reason for her extreme step.
Investigation Status
Police Inspector Bhojraj Misal confirmed the details of the case, stating that the accused was produced before a court on Sunday.
“The court has remanded him in police custody until April 15. The victim left a suicide note in which she blamed her guide, Dr. Benniamin. Further investigation is currently underway to uncover more details regarding the harassment,” Inspector Misal said.
The incident has sparked concerns regarding the safety and mental well-being of research scholars within academic and scientific institutions. Authorities are continuing to examine the evidence and the circumstances leading up to the student’s death.
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