- By Kamal Kumar
- Wed, 20 Dec 2023 12:14 AM (IST)
- Source:JND
IIT Kanpur News: Dr Pallavi Chilka, a research staff member in the Department of Biological Sciences and Bioengineering of IIT Kanpur was found dead on Tuesday evening. Preliminary reports suggested that she has committed suicide by hanging herself in her residence on the campus. According to the officials, on Tuesday, the cleaning staff knocked on the door of her room for the routine cleaning but it did not open.
The cleaner sounded an alarm after he peeped through the glass above the door and saw the body of Dr Pallavi hanging on a rope tied to the ceiling fan. Immediately, the hostel superintendent Atiqur Rahman informed the IIT administration and police about the incident.
Later, the police and forensic team arrived at her residence and broke the door of the room to retrieve her dead body. Police have launched a thorough investigation into the matter, reported Amar Ujala.
Who was Dr Pallavi?
Pallavi Chilka (34), posted as Project Executive Officer in the BSBE Department at IIT Kanpur, was a resident of the Cuttack CDA sector of Orissa. Just three days ago, she had shifted to a residence on the second floor of RA Tower located on the IIT campus.
IIT's statement came out
Releasing a statement on her death, IIT Kanpur expressed deep sorrow. The institute said, "IIT Kanpur, with deep sorrow, condoles the untimely and unfortunate demise of Dr Pallavi Chilka, a research staff member in the Department of Biological Sciences and Bioengineering of the institute. Dr. Chilka, a promising young researcher, joined the institute to pursue her postdoctoral research. She was found dead in her hostel room on 19 December. A police forensic team visited the premises to review the cause of death. The institute is awaiting a police investigation to determine the probable cause of death. With the demise of Dr. Chilka, the institute has lost a talented and promising young researcher."
Depression behind the extreme step?
According to the Police officials, depression could have been a possible reason behind this extreme decision by Dr Pallavi. Kalyanpur police station in-charge Dhananjay Pandey said that the post-mortem of the body will be conducted once the family members arrive on the campus on Wednesday.
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