The Jammu and Kashmir Higher Education Department has launched an inquiry into the alleged suicide of a student at Government Degree College (GDC), Doda. Saba Banoo, 19, a student at GDC Doda, reportedly jumped into the Chenab River at Pul Doda on January 16, 2026. The incident occurred after she was allegedly reprimanded by teachers for having a mobile phone during an examination.

In response to the incident, the government has suspended Assistant Professor Manzoor Ahmad from the Commerce Department at GDC Doda. Prof. Ahmad will remain attached to the office of the Director of Colleges, Higher Education, until further notice.

A three-member committee has been formed to investigate the circumstances surrounding Banoo's death. The committee consists of Dr. Sheikh Ajaz Bashir, Director Colleges, Higher Education Department; Sanjay Kumar Tickoo (JKAS), Deputy Secretary to the Government, Higher Education Department; and Syed Ishrat Parvez, Under Secretary to the Government, Higher Education Department. The committee is required to submit its report within seven days.

The Higher Education Department issued orders for both the inquiry committee and the suspension of Prof. Ahmad. The orders have been communicated to the Director of Colleges, Jammu and Kashmir, the Principal of GDC Doda, and other relevant authorities for their information and compliance.

Efforts by police, local volunteers, and SDRF personnel to recover Banoo's body are still ongoing. The incident has sparked concern within academic and administrative circles. The Higher Education Department has initiated immediate administrative action to ascertain the facts of the case and determine responsibility, if any.