Tragedy Strikes IIT Kharagpur Again as Third-Year BTech Student Found Dead in Hostel Room
In a heartbreaking incident, a third-year BTech student from the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Kharagpur was found dead in his hostel room on Sunday morning, sending shockwaves across the prestigious institution and raising fresh concerns about the mental well-being of students in elite academic environments.
The deceased, identified as Mohammad Asif Qamar, was a student in the Civil Engineering Department. He was residing in the Madanmohan Malviya Hall of Residence on the sprawling IIT Kharagpur campus.
According to institute officials and police sources, Qamar’s room had been locked from the inside since Saturday night, and his friends grew increasingly concerned when he failed to respond to calls or open the door on Sunday morning.
Alarmed by the silence and lack of movement, hostel authorities contacted the police outpost situated within the campus. Officers arrived at the scene and, after assessing the situation, broke open the door to find Qamar hanging inside.
The young student, originally from the Seohar district in Bihar, was pronounced dead at the scene. His family has since been informed of the tragic development.
A senior police official confirmed the incident and stated that while the preliminary investigation suggests it may be a case of suicide, the matter is still under active investigation.
“We have found certain leads that may help us determine the events that led up to this tragedy,” the officer said, without divulging specific details.
The authorities have not yet ruled out any possibilities and are waiting for further forensic and digital evidence to establish a clearer picture.
This incident marks yet another case of suspected suicide on the IIT Kharagpur campus in recent months, adding to a deeply worrying pattern. On April 20, Aniket Walkar, a fourth-year student from the Department of Ocean Engineering and Naval Architecture, was found hanging in his hostel room.
Earlier this year, on January 12, the body of Shaon Malik, a third-year undergraduate student, was discovered under similar circumstances. In June 2024, Devika Pillai, a final-year student of the Biotechnology and Biochemical Engineering department, also died by suicide, sparking national attention and concern.
These recurring tragedies have prompted serious introspection and questions about the institutional and emotional support mechanisms available to students grappling with stress, anxiety, academic pressure, and personal issues.
Despite being one of the most celebrated technical institutes in the country, IIT Kharagpur, like many premier institutions, has faced criticism for not adequately addressing the mental health crisis among its student population.
In response to these distressing incidents, the IIT Kharagpur administration has reiterated its commitment to ensuring the emotional and psychological well-being of its students. Officials stated that the institute has a 24×7 counselling support system in place, providing confidential assistance to students experiencing distress.
Following the death of Aniket Walkar in April, the institute introduced a new initiative where barcodes were placed on the doors of all hostel rooms. Students facing mental health issues can scan these codes to access immediate counselling services discreetly and privately.
Acting Director of IIT Kharagpur, Professor Amit Patra, expressed his deep sorrow over the repeated incidents and emphasized the administration’s resolve to prevent further tragedies.
“Our students are not just numbers or names; they are our children, and their happiness, well-being, and academic success are of utmost importance to us,” he said in a statement to PTI.
Professor Patra also revealed that a dedicated committee has been set up to investigate the specific circumstances surrounding each of the recent deaths.
The committee is tasked with submitting a detailed report and set of recommendations within three days, aiming to identify any gaps in the current support system and suggest actionable measures for improvement.
The institute community — including faculty, staff, and fellow students — is grappling with grief, shock, and a growing urgency to address the underlying causes behind these repeated tragedies.
Mental health professionals have underscored the importance of fostering an environment where students feel safe seeking help and are not overwhelmed by academic pressures or feelings of isolation.
As the investigation into Qamar’s death continues, the incident stands as yet another grim reminder of the emotional challenges faced by students in high-pressure academic settings.
It also reignites the national conversation on mental health in educational institutions, calling for systemic reform, greater empathy, and the establishment of robust support frameworks across all levels of academia.
