IIT Roorkee BTech third-year student found dead in hostel

NEW DELHI: A 20-year old BTech third year student of Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Roorkee was found dead in her hostel room on February 11. The student was from the Biosciences and Bio Engineering department of IIT Roorkee. According to reports, she died by suicide three to four days ago.

As reported by Times of India, students from the same hostel informed the nearby police station after a foul smell started coming from the student’s room. Later, police officials broke open the door and found the student dead. A suicide note in Telugu was also found.

In an official statement, the institute stated: “It is with profound sadness that we share the news of the untimely demise of one of our esteemed third-year students from the Department of Biosciences and Bio Engineering at IIT Roorkee. Our hearts are heavy with grief as we mourn the loss of a promising young individual from our institute community. The circumstances surrounding this tragic incident are currently under investigation by the authorities. IIT Roorkee is extending its full cooperation and support to the ongoing police investigation. We are committed to providing assistance in every possible way to ensure a thorough and transparent inquiry.”

Prima facie, the third-year student was stressed due to her parents’ separation a few years ago. Though they reconciled, tension persisted, said a police official. “Exact information hasn’t been out yet. Yes, it is was a suicide by hanging from a fan. The reason of her suicide seems to be a mix of family problem and academics,” said a student from the campus on conditions of anonymity.

Earlier this year, two suicides have been reported at IIT Kanpur.

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.