Tragic incident unfolds as Pune college student sets herself on fire amid alleged harassment from roommate and hostel staff

In a distressing turn of events, a 19-year-old student enrolled in Bharti Vidyapeeth’s engineering college in Pune passed away after setting herself ablaze. She died while receiving medical treatment on Tuesday, March 19.

The incident, which occurred on March 7, is reported to be a result of the victim’s purported harassment by hostel staff and the disruptive behaviour of her roommate. Despite being admitted to the hospital for treatment following the incident, the student tragically passed away during the course of medical care.

Following the devastating occurrence, a case has been filed at the Bharti Vidyapeeth Police Station, although the college administration has remained silent regarding the incident’s details. The deceased, identified as Renuka Balaji Salunkhe, aged 19, has prompted legal action against Satish Jadhav, an employee of the hostel cafeteria, and Muskan Mahendra Singh Sidhu, a fellow hostel resident of the same age. The complaint, lodged by Balaji Dhondiba Salunkhe, father of the deceased, alleges a series of distressing events leading up to the tragic outcome.

According to the complaint, the deceased student, residing in the hostel of the Indian university’s engineering college, was subjected to unwanted advances and harassment by Satish Jadhav. Reports suggest that Jadhav repeatedly sent messages professing affection and questioned her availability, causing immense distress to Renuka. Additionally, her roommate, Muskan Sidhu, allegedly contributed to her torment by disrupting her study sessions and interfering with the room’s lighting.

Overwhelmed by the incessant harassment from both individuals, Renuka resorted to drastic measures, setting herself on fire in the hostel toilet at approximately 9 pm on March 7. Despite efforts to save her, she succumbed to her injuries while undergoing treatment at Surya Hospital in Pune. As investigations into the tragic incident unfold, the Bharti University Police continue their inquiry to ascertain further details surrounding the circumstances of Renuka’s untimely demise.