• Source:JND
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A 24-year-old PhD scholar at the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Kanpur ended his life by hanging himself in his hostel room on Monday, according to police officials. The deceased, identified as Ankit Yadav, was a resident of Noida and a first-year PhD student in the Department of Chemistry.

The incident came to light in the evening when Yadav’s friends grew concerned after repeated calls to him went unanswered. Sensing something was wrong, his hostel mates alerted the institute authorities, who immediately informed the police and rushed to his room. Additional Deputy Commissioner of Police (West) Vijendra Dwivedi stated that the door had to be broken open to access the room, where Yadav’s body was found.

Authorities discovered a suicide note in the room, in which Yadav reportedly stated that he took the extreme step of his own will and held no one responsible for his decision. A forensic team was called to the scene to gather evidence, and the body has been sent for post-mortem examination. Yadav’s family members have arrived at the institute to complete the formalities.

 The institute assured full cooperation with the ongoing police investigation and emphasised its commitment to preventing such tragic incidents in the future.

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This incident marks the fourth suicide at IIT-Kanpur in recent months. On October 10, 2023, 28-year-old PhD student Pragati Kharya died by suicide in her hostel room. Similarly, on January 18, 2024, Priyanka Jaiswal, a 29-year-old PhD scholar in Chemical Engineering, allegedly took her own life. Earlier, on January 11, Vikas Kumar Meena, a 31-year-old MTech student, reportedly hanged himself after being temporarily barred from continuing his course. On December 19, 2023, postdoctoral researcher Pallavi Chilka, aged 34, also died by suicide in her hostel room.

The repeated incidents have raised concerns about the mental health and well-being of students at the prestigious institution. Authorities are under pressure to address the underlying issues and implement stronger support systems to prevent further tragedies.

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