IIT Madras Student Dies By Suicide, Body Found Inside Hostel Room; Second Death In A Month

A BTECH student of IIT Madras was found dead in his hostel room on Tuesday. The third year student of electrical engineering department died by suicide, police said. Aged 20, the deceased hailed from the neighbouring state of Andhra Pradesh. 

While the reason behind the student's drastic step was not known, initial probe indicated that the student had difficulty in "focusing on his studies and completing his academic tasks", PTI reported citing a police officer.

The police officer, who is a part of the team investigating the matter, said further information on the case will be shared only after the probe and autopsy.

The death by suicide comes exactly a month after a post-graduate student of engineering ended his life on February 14. The body of the PG student was also found in his hostel room.

Issuing a statement on today's tragic incident, IIT Madras said, "It is with deep anguish that IIT Madras conveys the untimely passing away of a third year BTech student of the Electrical Engineering department on March 14, 2023."

IIT Madras, a premier engineering institute, said a standing Institute Internal Inquiry Committee will look into such incidents. The committee which has been constituted recently, will elected student representative, IIT-M said.

The institute's environment has been challenging after the Covid-19 pandemic, the IIT said. However, it claimed to be working towards improving and sustaining the wellbeing of students, scholars, faculty and staff on campus. IIT-M also said it has constantly been evaluating the various support systems in place.

"The parents of the student have been informed and we request everyone to please respect the privacy of the family at this unfortunate moment," the statement said.

"The Institute expresses its sincere condolences and stands united in grief along with the friends and family of the deceased student," it said.

(With inputs from agencies)