IIT Kharagpur BTech final year student dies by suicide in college hostel; police probe on

NEW DELHI: The body of a fourth-year student at Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Kharagpur, was found hanging in a hostel room on Monday, according to a police report. The IIT Kharagpur student, Devika Pillai, was studying bioscience and biotechnology. The student has been identified as Devika Pillai (21), a senior police officer told PTI. The body has been sent to Kharagpur sub-divisional Hospital for a post-mortem examination.

Confirming the incident, an IIT Kharagpur source told PTI, "Pillai, a fourth-year student in the Department of Biotechnology, was discovered hanging from the ceiling of Sarojini Naidu Hostel Hall in the morning."

IIT Kharagpur Suicide Case: Investigation underway

In a statement, IIT Kharagpur said, "Upon discovery of the incident, the campus security and medical teams were immediately alerted. District police authorities have been informed. Her family has also been informed immediately. The police are conducting a thorough investigation into the circumstances surrounding Pillai’s death. The institute is fully cooperating with the authorities. "

About Devika Pillai

According to the official statement, Pillai was an academically gifted student with a CGPA of 8.37, recognized for her intelligence, dedication, and promising future in biosciences and biotechnology. She served as the general secretary of social and cultural affairs at Sarojini Naidu and was currently engaged in a summer internship under the supervision of a professor in the department of biosciences and biotechnology.

Institutional support and condolences

The institute expressed deep sorrow over the loss and said that their main priority is to support Pillai's family and friends during this challenging period. "The institute is devastated by this tragic event. Our foremost priority at this moment is to extend our heartfelt condolences and support to Ms. Pillai’s family and friends. We are in close contact with her family and are providing all necessary assistance to help them through this incredibly difficult time," the statement added.