'Shaon Malik was academically-gifted'; IIT Kharagpur 'cooperating' in probe on BTech student suicide

NEW DELHI: Expressing shock and grief at the death of a BTech student, the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Kharagpur said that a police investigation is underway and the administration is cooperating with the authorities. A third-year undergraduate student of electrical engineering, Shaon Malik, was found dead in his hostel room by his parents who came to visit him. The institute announced an investigation into the matter while the police are already conducting a probe.

Earlier today, the IIT called the student suicide ‘unfortunate’. “The entire IIT Kharagpur community collectively mourns this unfortunate incident. The community including the students, staff and faculty is now passing through a very sad and challenging time. Shaon was known for his exceptional academic performance, humble and friendly nature and was a cherished member of our IIT Kharagpur family. His loss is deeply felt by all of us. We extend our deepest condolences to his family and friends during this incredibly challenging time,” the institute said in an official statement.

“See as far as I heard his parents came to visit him in the campus and they discovered the body,” IIT KGP Amit Patra director told Careers360. Serving as the director at IIT BHU, he assumed the additional charge of director here in December last year.

Police investigation into IIT suicide case

Malik was found dead in his Azad Hall of residence premises in the morning of January 12, the institute informed. It alerted the campus security and medical teams immediately and informed the Police authorities.

“His family is already on the campus. The police are conducting a thorough investigation into the circumstances surrounding Mr Malik's death. The institute is fully cooperating with the authorities,” IIT KGP stated.

Malik was said to be an academically-gifted student, with a CGPA above 9, and was known for his “intelligence, dedication, and promising future” in the field of electrical engineering. Additionally, he was an active member of Druheen - Bengali Technology Dramatics Society.

“The institute is devastated by this tragic event. Our foremost priority at this moment is to extend our heartfelt condolences and support to Mr Malik's family and friends. We are providing all necessary assistance to help them through this incredibly difficult time,” the IIT further said.

Moreover, IIT Kharagpur expressed its commitment to the well-being and mental health of its students, stating that it offers a range of student support services, including counseling and mental health resources.

IIT student suicides

In a similar incident in June last year, a BTech final year student Devika Pillai was found hanging in a hostel room.

While this might be the first IIT student death this year, the cases of student suicides in IITs have been piling up for several years. Two BTech students lost their lives at IIT Delhi while IIT Kanpur probably made a record by witnessing four student deaths.