The Indian Institute of Technology Kharagpur is mourning the death of a 21-year-old student, Devika Pillai. Pillai, a third-year biotechnology student, was found hanging from the roof of a hostel building on Monday morning.
This is the third student death at IIT Kharagpur since 2022. The news has sparked questions about student mental health and safety on campus.
Pillai was reportedly undergoing treatment for depression. Her death comes just months after another student, K Kiran Chandra, died by suicide in October 2023. In October 2022, Faizan Ahmed, a mechanical engineering student, was found dead in his hostel room. The circumstances surrounding his death are still under investigation.
Following Pillai’s death, many students raised concerns about how she was able to access the roof, which is off-limits to students. The institute is cooperating with police in a thorough investigation.
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IIT Kharagpur officials expressed their devastation at the loss and said they are providing support to the bereaved family. A post-mortem examination was conducted, but the cause of death is yet to be confirmed. Police have seized Pillai’s belongings for further investigation.
