Two students of a private college in Madurai committed suicide by consuming poison after they were allegedly ragged by their classmates over their sexual orientation, the police reported on Sunday.

Muthupandi and Bharath (both aged 18) were first-year BA Economics of the private college and were reportedly in a relationship. A few of their female classmates complained about the same to their HOD, following which they were allegedly ragged by their classmates, leading them to take the unfortunate decision. While Bharath was declared brought dead to the hospital the same day, Muthupandi died Friday night.

In a complaint to the police, Muthupandi’s mother had stated that the teenager had consumed poison after he was ragged and beaten by a classmate, claiming that her son decided to commit suicide following that incident. The police have launched a probe into the matter, while the accused has been held in custody.