IIT Gandhinagar student falls from building, police yet to receive formal complaint

A 25-year-old student of the Indian Institute of Technology Gandhinagar fell from a building on Palaj campus almost a week ago. She was injured and was hospitalised for treatment. The incident happened last week, but the institute did not file an official complaint, which would have led to a formal inquiry. The police got information, but not from the institute, reports TOI. It is unclear if she attempted suicide or accidentally fell from the building. Police have not taken action, as the institute is yet to file a formal complaint.

Chiloda police inspector S J Chauhan told TOI that police had not received any official communication about the incident, and the student's statement has also not been recorded. The incident happened in the academic area of the institute. The student is recovering, and police are extending all possible help to the family.

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“We request anonymity to prevent any anguish to the family,” said a senior IIT Gandhinagar official told TOI. Whether it was an accident or a suicide attempt, how and why the student fell from the building are the unanswered questions as of now.

No statement recorded

A source at IIT Gandhinagar said that recording of statements in a medico-legal case is mandatory. It gives clarity whether the incident involves an accidental fall or a suspected suicide attempt. Students told media that they received a message in WhatsApp groups asking them to come forward to donate blood to fulfil an urgent requirement.

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Before this, a 33-year-old PhD scholar at the institute was found dead in her campus hostel room in 2020. Reports claim that she hung herself to death, as the words “I quit” were found written on her room wall. However, the case was closed due to lack of substantial evidence.