Roommates testify against Kerala hostel warden for harassment

Two roommates of Chaithanya Kumari, a 20-year-old who died by suicide in Kerala, have testified against her hostel warden. They claim she faced harassment from the warden, Ranjani, at the hostel linked to Manzoor Hospital and School of Nursing. Investigators are looking into these allegations. Chaithanya attempted suicide in December after a confrontation with Ranjani, who reportedly denied her food and water. After her attempted suicide, she was hospitalized multiple times before passing away on Saturday. A new police report has been filed after her death, and the police plan to gather more evidence and statements from other students. The police have previously charged the warden with wrongful restraint and using obscene language based on a complaint from Chaithanya's mother. However, these charges could change depending on further investigation. Authorities have not confirmed if the hostel provided counseling to Chaithanya. Her classmates have also reported strict hostel rules, including bans on holidays and phone usage. Chaithanya’s parents allege that she was unfairly targeted by the warden, which they believe contributed to her tragic decision to end her life. They are calling for the warden's arrest. Chaithanya was described as soft-spoken and sensitive, and her family feels she suffered from the warden's mistreatment.