Nearly 1,000 students at the Indian Institute of Information Technology (IIIT), Ranchi, took to the streets following the death of a first-year student. The agitating students, comprising BTech, MTech, and PhD scholars, have been protesting for two days, alleging that the lack of basic facilities contributed to the tragedy, and demanding the immediate resignation of Director Rajeev Srivastava.

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IIIT Ranchi First-Year Student Found Dead In Hostel Room

Aditya Singh, a first-year student of the Indian Institute of Information Technology (IIIT) Ranchi, was found hanging in his hostel room. The incident came to light on Saturday night when hostel inmates alerted the administration after finding his room locked from the inside.

The deceased, identified as a resident of Bihar's Purnia district, was aged between 19 and 20 years.

"Preliminary investigation suggests the victim committed suicide under examination pressure, with exams having started on October 8. His body was sent for post-mortem examination at RIMS," news agency PTI quoted Khelgaon Police Station in-charge Nirbhay Kumar as saying.

Protests Erupt At IIIT Ranchi

Following the incident, widespread protests erupted across the campus. Students alleged that the food served in the hostel mess was unhygienic and of poor quality. They further claimed that when Aditya needed emergency medical attention, the hostel lift was non-functional.

Furthermore, while an institute ambulance was parked on campus, its driver was missing, and the vehicle lacked essential equipment, including an oxygen mask.

The protesters also levelled allegations against Director Rajeev Srivastava and demanded his resignation. These allegations have yet to be verified through an independent inquiry, India Today reported.

IIIT Ranchi Chairman Meets Protesting Students

Lieutenant General A K Bhatt, Chairman of the institute, met with the agitating students to persuade them to end their protest. He assured them that an independent inquiry would be conducted to investigate the circumstances surrounding Aditya's death and that strict action would be taken against anyone found guilty.

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"This is a government institute, and we shall conduct a proper inquiry into how the student died under such circumstances," said Lt Gen A K Bhatt.

Addressing the demand for the director's resignation, Bhatt said that the director's appointment involves approval from the President of India, meaning an immediate decision regarding removal could not be taken.

Meanwhile, the student body said that the protest will continue until strict action is taken.

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