On September 22, 2025, at around 10:30 PM, 19-year-old engineering student Jadav Sai Teja tragically died by suicide in his hostel room at Siddhartha College, Ghatkesar, Hyderabad. Authorities reported that the student had been allegedly bullied and coerced by batchmates to pay a ₹10,000 bar bill, prompting the fatal decision.
Circumstances Leading to the Suicide
According to police reports, Sai Teja attended a party on September 22, 2025, in his hostel premises, along with juniors and some outsiders. During the gathering, an argument over a ₹10,000 bar bill escalated. The student reportedly recorded a selfie video around 9:45 PM, in which he claimed that he was assaulted and forced to ask his father in Adilabad for ₹1,500 to cover part of the expense. As reported
Later, around 10:30 PM, his body was discovered in his hostel room by fellow students. The video was retrieved by authorities as part of the ongoing investigation.
Police Response and Investigation
The Ghatkesar police promptly registered a case and booked nine students under the Indian Penal Code sections for abetment of suicide, extortion, and the SC/ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act. Officers confirmed that the investigation is ongoing to determine the extent of involvement of each individual.
A police official stated,
“We are collecting all evidence, including CCTV footage and witness statements, to understand the circumstances that led to this tragic incident.”
Authorities also conducted safety inspections and checks within the hostel to ensure compliance with security and student welfare protocols.
Community Impact and Reactions
The incident has shocked students, parents, and the local community, drawing attention to the pressures faced by college students and the dangers of bullying and peer harassment. Social media posts and local discussions highlighted the urgent need for counseling support and stricter hostel safety regulations.
Student organizations and parent associations in Hyderabad have called for awareness campaigns about mental health and preventive measures against coercion and harassment in colleges.
Expert Insights
Mental health experts emphasize that bullying and peer pressure can trigger severe psychological stress in adolescents, particularly when combined with financial or social coercion. Dr. Meera Rao, a child psychologist in Hyderabad, noted,
“Educational institutions must provide accessible counseling services, and students must feel safe to report harassment without fear of retribution.”
Authorities reiterated the importance of prompt reporting and intervention to prevent such incidents, citing studies showing that timely support significantly reduces suicide risk among teenagers and young adults.
FAQs
A: The 19-year-old student, Jadav Sai Teja, died by suicide on September 22, 2025, at Siddhartha College, Ghatkesar, after allegedly being bullied and forced to pay a ₹10,000 bar bill by peers.
A: The Ghatkesar police booked nine students under abetment of suicide, extortion, and the SC/ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act. The investigation is ongoing.
A: The incident underscores the need for stronger mental health support, bullying prevention, and safety protocols in educational institutions to protect students from harassment and psychological harm.
This tragic case of Hyderabad engineering student suicide serves as a stark reminder of the mental health challenges and peer pressures faced by students. Authorities continue to investigate and implement measures to prevent similar incidents in the future.
