The Confederation of Meghalaya Social Organizations (CoMSO) has formally appealed to Governor CH Vijayashankar, urging the establishment of a judicial inquiry to investigate the death of Abiel Salchiana Ch Marak, a medical student at the Regional Institute of Medical Sciences (RIMS) in Imphal.
CoMSO’s petition outlines “serious allegations of institutional neglect, psychological harassment, mental trauma, and potential foul play” as the backdrop to Marak’s reported suicide.
In their letter to the Governor, the organisation asserted, “Ms. Abiel Salchiana Ch Marak was a bright and aspiring medical student whose dedication to the medical profession and academic diligence were well recognised by her peers and community. Her sudden and unexplained suicide within the premises of a reputed medical institute, such as RIMS raises critical legal and moral questions.”
The confederation underscored the constitutional dimensions of the case, citing potential infringements of rights protected under Articles 14 and 21 of the Indian Constitution, alongside the state’s duties as defined in Articles 41 and 46.
CoMSO stated that unofficial reports and accounts from Marak’s fellow students indicate she may have faced mental harassment, excessive academic burdens, discriminatory treatment, and a lack of adequate psychological support from the institution.
“In the absence of a transparent, impartial and high-level enquiry, we fear that this incident may be relegated to mere statistics,” CoMSO cautioned, expressing concerns regarding “institutional violence, caste and ethnic-based discrimination” and the alleged failure of academic institutions to adequately implement student welfare policies.
The organisation further pointed to mandated safeguards under guidelines issued by both the University Grants Commission and the National Medical Commission, suggesting potential violations of these regulations.