IIIT Ranchi first-year BTech student dies by suicide, NHRC to probe alleged delay in medical treatment

A first-year engineering student at the Indian Institute of Information Technology Ranchi (IIIT Ranchi) has died by suicide, triggering unrest and a tense atmosphere on campus. The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has taken cognizance of the student’s death, IANS reported.

The NHRC will investigate the death of Aditya, a first-year BTech student from Purnia, Bihar, who died at the IIIT Ranchi hostel on Saturday night, as per the report by Dainik Bhaskar.

According to the commission, the investigation will examine the delay in the student receiving medical treatment, alleged administrative negligence, the circumstances surrounding the suicide, and the cause of death.

“We are going to issue necessary directions to the Law Enforcement Authorities and Investigation Agencies, including the Ministry of Education,” the NHRC said.

Also read IIT Bombay scraps stricter cheating rules, restores original ‘student-friendly’ norms after campus suicide

IIIT Ranchi students allege medical negligence by college admin

The report stated that Aditya's room door remained unopened until around 11:30 pm on Saturday night. This alarmed his friends. They then broke the door open and found Aditya dead upon entering.

Fellow students immediately rushed Aditya to a private hospital, where doctors declared him dead after examination. As news of the student's death spread, tensions rose on campus, the report read.

The report cited a police statement, which said that Aditya was attending an exam and it is suspected that he died by suicide due to poor performance in the exam. However, the exact cause of his death has not been confirmed yet. Police are investigating the matter.

Following the death, students at the IIIT Ranchi campus has created an unrest atmosphere in the hostel campus and raised slogans against the college administration, it added.

They alleged that the availability of essential medical facilities, such as ambulances and oxygen, was unsatisfactory and they claim that Aditya's life could have been saved if necessary medical assistance had been provided on time, the report said.

If you know someone – friend or family member – at risk of suicide, please reach out to them. Those in distress or having suicidal thoughts or tendencies could seek help and counselling by calling 9820466726 or visiting AASRA’s official website or can call iCALL on 9152987821. Here are some more helpline numbers of suicide prevention organisations that can offer emotional support to individuals and families.