Pune: A senior scientist from the Botanical Survey of India (BSI) has been arrested in connection with the alleged suicide of a 30-year-old PhD student, who cited harassment by her guide in a purported suicide note. The scientist, identified as Dr. A. Benniamin, head of office at the BSI’s Pune center, was taken into custody following a complaint filed by the student’s father.
The incident has sent shockwaves through academic circles, raising concerns about the safety and well-being of research scholars. According to police reports, the student, who had been pursuing her PhD in Botany for the past two years, died by suicide at her residence in Chinchwad on Saturday, April 11, 2026. Her suicide note allegedly names Dr. Benniamin as the reason for her extreme step, citing prolonged molestation, misconduct, and mental harassment since August 2025.
Information was available with The Chenab Times that Dr. Benniamin was produced before a court on Sunday and has been remanded to police custody until April 15. Police inspector Bhojraj Misal, the investigating officer, stated that further investigation is ongoing.
Adding a disturbing dimension to the case, it has been revealed that two days prior to her death, Dr. Benniamin had issued a written apology on stamp paper. In this document, he reportedly admitted to his inappropriate behaviour and assured that such actions would not be repeated. However, the student’s suicide note indicates that she continued to suffer severe emotional distress and trauma, which she believed led to her death.
The First Information Report (FIR) in the case was registered at the MIDC Bhosari Police Station based on the complaint lodged by the victim’s father. The FIR invokes sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) 2023, including Section 108 for abetment of suicide and Section 74 for assault or criminal force against a woman with the intent to outrage her modesty. Police are examining all aspects of the case, including the contents of the suicide note and the circumstances that led to the tragic incident.
The Botanical Survey of India (BSI) is a premier government research institute. The allegations against its senior official highlight a critical need for robust grievance redressal mechanisms and a safer environment for students pursuing higher education and research across the country. The incident also brings to the fore the intense pressure and psychological challenges that many PhD scholars face during their academic journey.
The police have taken Dr. Benniamin into custody, and his interrogation is expected to shed more light on the sequence of events. The case underscores the importance of addressing issues of workplace harassment and ensuring accountability within academic institutions to prevent such unfortunate incidents in the future.
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The Chenab Times News Desk
