First-Year BTech Student From Bihar Hangs Self In Hostel Room In IIT Guwahati; Family Demands Probe

A male student of the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Guwahati died by suicide on Wednesday, the college administration informed. The police have begun the investigation surrounding the unfortunate death.

The deceased Sourav Kumar, a first-year B-tech student of the computer science department allegedly died by hanging himself in his hostel room. A note was also recovered from his room and has been sent for forensic analysis, police said.

Soon after the incident was reported, the body was sent to Gauhati Medical College Hospital for postmortem.

The family of the deceased student, who hails from Bihar, has demanded a probe into his death alleging negligence by the institute. The police said they suspect the student killed himself owing to stress.

Regarding circumstances around the death, the victim’s body was recovered by the police from his hostel room after the institute’s administration informed them about the incident.

The deceased shared the room with another student, who was in a class when the boy hanged himself.

“When his roommate was in the class during the day, the boy hanged himself in the room. The security guards and his roommate later learned about the incident,” the police official added.

While the exact cause, which led to the boy’s extreme step is yet unknown, sources suggest academic pressure and some personal reasons might have played a role.

Meanwhile, the institute has issued a statement on the incident and paid condolences to the deceased’s family.

“It is with deep regret that IIT Guwahati shares the unfortunate news of the death of a male student on campus on 10th April 2024. Our heartfelt condolences go out to the family, and we are providing them with the necessary support during this difficult time. The police are investigating the circumstances surrounding this unfortunate incident. Our thoughts are with the grieving family,” IIT Guwahati stated.

“Keeping the privacy of the student and the sensitivity of this incident in consideration, the media is requested to maintain discretion while reporting on this incident,” it added.