19-year-old journalism student found dead in hostel room in Bengaluru


Daijiworld Media Network - Bengaluru (MS)

Bengaluru, Jan 24: Sofia Damani, native of Mumbai has died under suspicious circumstances. The dead body of Sofia, who was studying in the fourth semester of a private college in the city, was found in a sleeping position on the bed of her hostel room on the evening of Wednesday, January 23.

Sofia, who was living in the city since the last two years,reportedly killed herself owing to loneliness. A death note was  found near the bed of Sofia, said sources. 

The death note written by Sofia reportedly says that feeling of loneliness was the reason for the death. 

Sofia had spoken to her classmates in the morning of the day she killed herself. She told her hostel mates that she will not be attending college on that day. When her classmates returned from college, they found the dead body of Sofia on her bed in the hostel room, said sources. 

Following the news published in media on the demise of Sofia Damani, some of her friends and people known to her posted in social media that Sophia died of heart attack and that she did not end her life as appeared in media.

More details are awaited.

  

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Comment on this article

  • Saba, Thanke

    Sat, Jan 26 2019

    So shocked n upsetting news . I use to stay in same building in Mumbai before 2 years . Met them alot of times in the lift. She was full of life , saw her riding bikes n ohh.. life is unpredictable. May her soul rest in peace.

    DisAgree Agree Reply Report Abuse

  • Arun Fernandes, Madanthyar/ Bangalore

    Fri, Jan 25 2019

    Many people go on jobs to foreign shores so that their children get good education and privileges...
    Unfortunately most of the present day teens are so hooked up to social media and outwardly entertainment that they don't have any consideration for family values... Their expectations in life are so high that they get hooked on depression and drugs on not getting what they expect from their loved ones...

    DisAgree [1] Agree [1] Reply Report Abuse

  • Claud Frank, Mangalore/Mississaugs Canada

    Fri, Jan 25 2019

    It’s not right to comment and pass our own judgements without knowing the truth and ascertaining the facts. What if someone close to us got into similar situation. MAY god give the family the strength to overcome this loss and may the departed soul RIP 🙏

    DisAgree [1] Agree [12] Reply Report Abuse

  • Nawaz, Udupi/ Kuwait

    Fri, Jan 25 2019

    Working abroad leaving your family back in home and not loving your family/children are two totally different things and should not be inter-related. Even though I stay abroad, I have made it a habit that I should get the photo through whatsapp of my daughter waving her hands before going to school back in India. Distance is not at all a barrier for love for your family.

    I believe there are so many children who don't get enough time to spend with their parents, even if their parents are staying with them in the same house.

    I may be called regressive and narrow minded if I say that the mother should always be along with their children in the house; unless she is compelled to go for work due to unavoidable and very serious financial

    DisAgree [4] Agree [13] Reply Report Abuse

  • Juliet D'souza, UK

    Fri, Jan 25 2019

    It's a very unfortunate tragedy
    Let's not judge - parents or Sofia.
    We all can learn and care for each other
    close to us and also notice when there is
    change in the person u r close to, probe,
    try to make them talk to u and show empathy
    and not brush off or ignore.
    Hindsight is beautiful but late for Sofia"s
    parents.
    23 year olds are adults and are capable
    individuals and in fact flourish beautiful in the
    Independent environment.
    A timely detection by a close friend /classmate
    would have saved Sofia.
    Let us hope her parents are able to cope with this
    Great loss of a beautiful daughter

    DisAgree [2] Agree [5] Reply Report Abuse

  • Cynthia, Kirem

    Thu, Jan 24 2019

    Very sad.... Rest in peace dear Sofia Madani. If she was feeling lonely and depressed, at least she should have approached any of her teachers or counsellers or a doctor.
    Depression/loneliness is the case with so many students whose parents work abroad.

    DisAgree [1] Agree [4] Reply Report Abuse

  • Dr S Kamath, Mumbai

    Thu, Jan 24 2019

    Very sad to hear may her soul rest in peace
    If your children are studying in hostel Keep doing following
    1.See about the presence of natural light ventilation in living room
    2.Call them everyday over telephone and ask are you happy if not why if say unhappy solve them
    3.If you find any redflags call them home or you ho there
    4.Always make them feel they are not alone

    DisAgree [3] Agree [4] Reply Report Abuse

  • Cliffy, Mangalore

    Thu, Jan 24 2019

    Mother and Father should make a call once day to their child without fail. It is not enough sending money alone. They also need love and affection from parents.

    DisAgree Agree [9] Reply Report Abuse

  • Shekar Moily Padebettu, Udupi/India

    Thu, Jan 24 2019

    It is heartening to note that journalism student ends life in Bangalore due to loneliness but not love.How sad and unfortunate incidence it is.Sending money from Dubai or elsewhere is not important,being with our children is an important issue.Now what happens now.In the name of amassing wealth and pasture life they lost their own daughter.Whom to be blamed.Sofia,parents or money.May God rest her departed soul in an eternal peace.Money is required to meet our daily needs but same time money is not everything,which will not buy peace

    DisAgree [10] Agree [17] Reply Report Abuse

  • Chetan, Mangalore

    Fri, Jan 25 2019

    What do you mean by "it is heartening to know"? You may have meant disheartening.

    DisAgree [1] Agree [2] Reply Report Abuse

  • VALERIAN RODRIGUES, UJIRE

    Thu, Jan 24 2019

    MANY PARENTS GIVE BIRTH TO THE CHILDREN AND KEEP IN HOSTEL AND GO TO EARN,IF ASK THEY GIVE REPLY IN COMMON AS WE SHOULD STOCK THE MONEY FOR CHILDREN'S FUTURE.BUT FINALLY MONEY IS NOT WORKING.ONLY RELATIONSHIP IS WORKING BETWEEN PARENTS AND CHILDREN.

    DisAgree [4] Agree [21] Reply Report Abuse

  • Rita, Germany

    Thu, Jan 24 2019

    How sad.A young girl left behind her parents clueless committed suecide.Of course she wrote a note to say decieved of parents love.Probably there was no proper communication between girl and parents except money matter.we dont know further details.Girl must have felt lonely when she needed parents .and parents didnt recognize her needs.Many times parents forget that children need during their growth atleast one of their parents.They face problems which should be discussed with parents.This girl too could have built her own friends circle ,or discuss her problem with teacher or friends.Both failed to communicate with each other during problems.Sad,may her soul rest in peace.I am sure her parents must be now repenting not helping her.Heartfelt sympathys to them.

    DisAgree [12] Agree [13] Reply Report Abuse

  • Eva, Kirem

    Thu, Jan 24 2019

    Common! We all know that communicating with teenagers how difficult. If a man leaves his wife behind with his children then also nasty comments and now for education purpose leaving child in the hostel also criticising comments. Let's pray for parents who have lost young child....don't make them guilty

    DisAgree [3] Agree [33] Reply Report Abuse

  • Rational thinker, Mangalore

    Thu, Jan 24 2019

    This can never be the reason for her suicide even in our wildest imagination.
    There is something much more than meets the eye.

    DisAgree [11] Agree [35] Reply Report Abuse

  • Rems, Mangaluru

    Thu, Jan 24 2019

    Exactly my thoughts. There is some hanky panky in the death note. Police should treat this as homicide.

    DisAgree [2] Agree [1] Reply Report Abuse

  • Everest, Mangalore

    Fri, Jan 25 2019

    In Gulf or anywhere.money does not grow on trees.parents work hard.

    DisAgree [1] Agree [1] Reply Report Abuse

  • Adnan Baig, Mangalore

    Thu, Jan 24 2019

    Sorry to say...no matter what so was the reason, but one should know that fact that there are small young kids living the worst life then you must have gone through. It simply shows lack of responsibility towards yourself being so educated. Every one in this modern world go through lot of pain,loneliness..it really doesn't mean that you have to end up yourself.

    R.I.P

    DisAgree [9] Agree [19] Reply Report Abuse

  • Rudolf Rodrigues, Mumbai

    Thu, Jan 24 2019

    What do you mean by lack of responsibility?

    Just last week, three high profile suicides shook Mumbai; a young prosperous stock broker, second a high profile builder, thirdly a brilliant MBBS passed student preparing for NEET examination!!

    Do you know the tough young ATS squad chief of Mumbai police too killed himself recently????

    By this, i am not encouraging suicide, but there is something called a "threshold limit" beyond which a depressed person thinks life's not worth living!!!

    DisAgree [2] Agree [9] Reply Report Abuse

  • Rudolf Rodrigues, Mumbai

    Thu, Jan 24 2019

    All comments are in hindsight, but only the ones who have suffered "severe depression" will ever understand what's it; suicidal ideation is very high; parents/school teachers should have understood the typical behaviour changes the victims exhibit before the ultimate suicide!

    Most cases require life long treatment with antidepressants and aggressive counselling!!

    RIP!!

    DisAgree [5] Agree [9] Reply Report Abuse

  • Lilygrace D Silva, Mangalore/Mumbai/Dubai

    Thu, Jan 24 2019

    Its very unfortunate. She has opened her heart in the note she has written. No one will leave a false message. May her soul rest in peace.
    The question here is, whether there were any telephonic conversation between the parents and daughter, atleast once or twice a month ? Also it seems that both the parents are working. It looks like, she is the only child. If so, the parents could have easily allowed her to continue her studies here Every parent work hard for their children and there is no doubt. Whether they work in Dubai or elsewhere, is not a reason.

    Its sad, a young child killed herself due to the lack of love from the parents.

    My request to all the parents, please, build a friendship with your children. By this, the children will trust you and always discuss everything what is in their mind. Correct them when they are wrong and end this by encouraging that they are strong, smart and will do better day by day. Encourage them for their betterment and never remind any faults once corrected. A family is an institution and should always try to be united in ups and down. This is my wish to every parent and child. God bless.

    DisAgree [8] Agree [14] Reply Report Abuse

  • I wish I was there, Bahrain

    Thu, Jan 24 2019

    I felt sad to read this, I went into depression, I was not knowing what I was doing at times wanted to commit suicide, but I had a counselling and found peace.
    God gave me a second chance.

    DisAgree [3] Agree [18] Reply Report Abuse

  • Nelson, Mangalore

    Thu, Jan 24 2019

    Dear Students & Children,
    IF ANYONE GETS THIS THOUGHT IN YOUR LIFE, ONCE YOU SPEAK TO YOUR PARENTS or FRIEND or SIBLING. U feel you are lonely at times. In actuality, you are not. LIVE FOR YOURSELF

    DisAgree [2] Agree [23] Reply Report Abuse

  • KS Mayya, Mangalore/Bangalore

    Thu, Jan 24 2019

    Life came full circle for this young one. Really sad.
    True, material satisfaction is only up to a limit.
    And it is equally serious that our society is not equipped or sensitized to recognize mental illness like any other. It is time, we took it seriously as it is already endemic.

    DisAgree [2] Agree [5] Reply Report Abuse

  • Shanthi, Dubai

    Thu, Jan 24 2019

    Very sad!! Being a student of journalism she would not have committed this cowardly act. We cannot blame her parents here. Every parents work very hard to give best education and best standard of living to their children being sacrificed everything for themselves. Suicide is a very foolish thing. Feeling sad for parents too here. May almighty give the strength to her family to overcome their grief.

    DisAgree [5] Agree [21] Reply Report Abuse

  • Leah, Bangalore

    Fri, Jan 25 2019

    It was not a suicide but a mild heart attack.

    DisAgree Agree [1] Reply Report Abuse

  • Ronald D, Udupi

    Thu, Jan 24 2019

    Communication gap! Sometimes children get lazy at studies after leading a pampered childhood in the gulf! Independent living and demanding studies may suddenly turn them off at times!! But such crazy step is no justification.

    DisAgree [2] Agree [5] Reply Report Abuse

  • R Bhandarkar, Mangaluru

    Thu, Jan 24 2019

    Such A lovely face ....
    What a waste !
    Students open up and talk....it helps in many ways.
    Be rich in your thoughts....
    Never get depressed....For you become what you think you are .
    Help yourself.You are your best friend.

    DisAgree [3] Agree [25] Reply Report Abuse

  • Alfred, Mangalore

    Thu, Jan 24 2019

    Those parents who do not know to give love and attention to their children, have no moral right to be parents......

    DisAgree [22] Agree [19] Reply Report Abuse

  • Praveen, Mangalore

    Thu, Jan 24 2019

    At least she has parents. Think about the children lost their parents in young age and also about the orphans. Does she know in how difficult condition the parents are earning and sending money to her. Does she know the condition of the Dubai market. Do not blame the parents with out knowing much facts.

    DisAgree [2] Agree [32] Reply Report Abuse

  • Amitha, KARKALA, UDUPI DISTRICT

    Thu, Jan 24 2019

    I can understand this situation. I have gone through this kind of loneliness as my mother was abroad from my childhood. I will never blame this girl. The parents should always keep in touch with kids. Money is very important for life but kids are more important than money. She must have expressed her loneliness with her parents or may be she expressed but got ignored by the parents.

    DisAgree [4] Agree [17] Reply Report Abuse

  • I wish I was there, Bahrain

    Thu, Jan 24 2019

    She was loved by here parents, that is why she was sent for further studies, I am a parent of two kids, saving all my money for the kids education, I have no savings living one day, taking left food to the Office, Gulf life is rough, not like before.
    Every parents know what sacrifice they do for their kids.
    You don't have to feel lonely,
    Now we watts app, IMO and what not we can see and talk everyday for free.
    We are not talking of the 80's.

    DisAgree [2] Agree [18] Reply Report Abuse

  • Sachin Shetty, Mangalore

    Thu, Jan 24 2019

    stop college and go back to Duubai, but why end life?

    DisAgree [3] Agree [40] Reply Report Abuse

  • Kamal, Mangalore/Muscat

    Thu, Jan 24 2019

    It is not fair to blame parents also. Children can also call their parents whenever they feel since now a days calling is very simple and cheaper by IMO or whats-app etc.

    DisAgree [6] Agree [32] Reply Report Abuse

  • Nancy, Mumbai

    Thu, Jan 24 2019

    What about girls whom parents have sent to work in gulf and to other places as house maid in earlier days????? didn't they deprived from Love of parents? (my question)

    Today's generation do not want to listen NO because parents give everything. so they don't learn the habit of someone saying NO and when they grow up and go out of the house and face some insult/negligence then easily blame on parents. They don't understand how much sacrifice parents are making for them.

    She could have spoken to her friends or teaches. I think she is reserved person so couldn't open up with anyone about her problem.

    One blooming bud died.

    Rest in peace dear girl.

    Cant imagine what parents are going through!!!!!!!

    DisAgree [3] Agree [40] Reply Report Abuse

  • Augustine Daniel DSouza, Udupi Mumbai STATE OF KUWAIT.

    Thu, Jan 24 2019

    So sad news Sofia my heartfelt condolences to her family. May her Soul Rest in Peace.

    DisAgree [1] Agree [8] Reply Report Abuse

  • Valerian DSouza, Udupi/Mumbai

    Thu, Jan 24 2019

    There may be other reasons. Has she told her parents about her feelings?
    One need adjustments in life. She is grown up, What about so many orphans?
    Anyway it's very sad. May her soul rest in peace.

    DisAgree [2] Agree [15] Reply Report Abuse

  • Clifford Correa & fly., Pune/Kuwait

    Thu, Jan 24 2019

    Very sad to read about the suicide committed by Sofia. its very important for parents to care and give their love for their children even if they are abroad and children studying or working in another country.
    May her soul rest in peace

    DisAgree [4] Agree [10] Reply Report Abuse

  • J.F.D Souza, Attavar, Mangalore

    Thu, Jan 24 2019

    Love of parents is not the problem. Many parents work around the world and they keep their children for study sake. Loneliness is there with everybody. One has to adjust life. This case seems to be very fishy. Proper investigations should be done.

    DisAgree [3] Agree [47] Reply Report Abuse

  • Divya, Mangalore

    Thu, Jan 24 2019

    Money is not everything in life ...everyone is not that open to people ..it's responsibilty of the parents to check on their kids ...in this fast phase world everyone runs behind materialistic things ,nobody actually asks how we really are ..we can't expect these things from outsiders ...and that is y it's called as depression and we actually don't consider it as an disease but its the major problems among the people who stay alone away from their family as they don't have anyone to discuss their issues

    DisAgree [3] Agree [8] Reply Report Abuse

  • Alban D'Souza, Udyavar - Mumbai

    Thu, Jan 24 2019

    To take extreme step to end life in this way is not a solution. Young students when they grow up needs love of course and communication from parents not only money sending . As money sent by parents she was leading a good and healthy life . She should have shared her problem with the room mates or college mates even the Teachers or Counsellor. The problem could have been sorted out. It looks there may be be other reason as well. Whatever may be better to open their hearts to their caretakers or guaradians.

    DisAgree [1] Agree [12] Reply Report Abuse

  • dk shetty, mangalore/Oman

    Thu, Jan 24 2019

    Its truly sad that children these days don't appreciate value of life. They take things for granted.
    Also parents have become so animate with day to day life that they forget besides money/amenities children need love, hugs & mental support.

    Now whats up and other free calls are available and calling up kids every day should not be a laborious process. One of friends daughter studies in bangalore and parents talk to her every single day in the evening. Its important besides food, shelter having a conversation and providing that loving care means a lot

    DisAgree [2] Agree [8] Reply Report Abuse

  • Sudhakar, Kallianpur

    Thu, Jan 24 2019

    When children grown up at least mother or father should stay with them. We have to make some sacrifice for well being of our children.

    What parents gain by both working / staying outside the country till they reach 60 years, leaving children in India and coming back to settle, by that time children are married our working outside? Money is not everything in life.....

    DisAgree [12] Agree [38] Reply Report Abuse

  • Abdul jabbar, Mangalore

    Thu, Jan 24 2019

    First time you spoke sense..

    DisAgree [3] Agree [10] Reply Report Abuse

  • Sudhakar, Kallianpur

    Thu, Jan 24 2019

    I always speak sense. Although i am supporting one particular party, you will never see a single comments of my blinding praising that party or their leaders. Unlike others i never use false / derogatory names against my opponents.

    DisAgree [5] Agree [11] Reply Report Abuse

  • James Philip D sa, Belman/Kuwait

    Thu, Jan 24 2019

    Yes indeed love is required for children. But taking extreme step is not a solution for everything.

    DisAgree [2] Agree [23] Reply Report Abuse

  • Jossey Saldanha, Mumbai

    Thu, Jan 24 2019

    Real reason is something else 🙄🙄🙄

    DisAgree [37] Agree [24] Reply Report Abuse

  • Santa, Mangalore

    Thu, Jan 24 2019

    Yes..you are next to God..you know everything..

    DisAgree [10] Agree [34] Reply Report Abuse

  • NAVEEN, Mangalore

    Thu, Jan 24 2019

    E Jana vora vora Vatrashi mathernu mare...

    DisAgree [4] Agree [15] Reply Report Abuse

  • Langoolacharya, Belman / Washington,DC

    Thu, Jan 24 2019

    Jossey Sir,

    Normally we don't criticize dead people...no matter what...

    As Nancy rightly mentioned, here parents suffer more than girl herself...wish this did not happen...perhaps both are right in their place...cant blame either...

    RIP Sofia...

    ...Tak...Takk...

    DisAgree [1] Agree [11] Reply Report Abuse

  • Jossey Saldanha, Mumbai

    Thu, Jan 24 2019

    I have never criticized the dead. Being the only child she could have demanded Love & Attention.
    She could have also used the option of taking a break & visiting her parents.
    From her pictures she looks happy go lucky. I am sorry if I have offended some people ...

    DisAgree [2] Agree [10] Reply Report Abuse

  • Francis Lewis, Kallianpur

    Thu, Jan 24 2019

    Very sad news. Lets not be judgmental here without knowing the complete story.

    No parents will leave their children. People may say many stories. Now a days children should be bold enough to say NO. Parents too should make possible efforts to stay with their children till their graduation. After all one or other day they leave parents to work or otherwise. She should have lived for herself. After staying 2 years away already taking this extreme step is very tragic.

    DisAgree Agree [12] Reply Report Abuse

  • CHRISTINE PINTO, Mangalore

    Thu, Jan 24 2019

    50 years back if we go that is the age of a mother who had 3 children.

    This girl still needed love from parents not bottlefeed or breast feed.

    Now she got love.

    DisAgree [5] Agree [8] Reply Report Abuse

  • Mahathma, Mangalore

    Thu, Jan 24 2019

    So sad news! RIP Sofia... this is the bad lesson for the parents who go behind of money only

    DisAgree [14] Agree [5] Reply Report Abuse

  • Flavian, Mangaluru/Kuwait

    Thu, Jan 24 2019

    Such reason cannot be justified. She was not a small kid or elementary student. If parents are abroad to earn livelihood what else they can do. Thousands of children are facing similar situation.

    Even my children too did their college in Mangalore but they their mother with them all through college days. Unless we sacrifice something we cannot attain all the luxuries and necessities in life. Here she took a deliberate, intentional out of the way move. She had other opportunities to talk to the parents and should have convinced them her helplessness.

    DisAgree [12] Agree [32] Reply Report Abuse

  • Anand, Dubai

    Thu, Jan 24 2019

    Whilst your arguments sounds completely logical to you , me and some other here, this is not true for those suffering from depression.

    They cannot reason like you and me... you and me, cannot end life for such reasons which appear trivial...

    DisAgree [3] Agree [12] Reply Report Abuse

  • True Indian, Udipi

    Thu, Jan 24 2019

    We should appreciate those girls who go away from home to other cities pursue higher education or for job sake is to be applauded. They stay alone or in group and complete there task successfully and pull family upwards from all fronts. Latter on they get married-off and again go to new environment and start from beginning to adjust and make name and fame in family as well as in society. Anyhow there's sacrificial life indeed.

    Here in case of sofia it looks like she not able to adjust to new surroundings..moreover fearsome factor of lonliness. As she not able to get good sleep...wants to surrender for pills..which turn into depression. Money cannot do anything. People should also go towards spiritualism to keep them safe from negative thoughts. Anyhow what's happened is sad.

    DisAgree [3] Agree [18] Reply Report Abuse

  • Neel, Kuwait

    Thu, Jan 24 2019

    May her soul rest in peace
    Probably this is the extreme example for "Money is not everything in life".

    DisAgree [15] Agree [13] Reply Report Abuse

  • SAMAD, Mangalore

    Thu, Jan 24 2019

    Sure there is some other reason behind this..Proper investigation should be done..

    DisAgree [9] Agree [77] Reply Report Abuse

  • Evans Christopher Sumitra, Udupi/ New York, USA.

    Thu, Jan 24 2019

    Samad, Mangalore,
    I fully agree with your comments.

    DisAgree [1] Agree [11] Reply Report Abuse


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