India

First‑Year Student at IIIT Ranchi Dies by Suicide, Police Probe Underway

By Raj Kumar

A first‑year student at the Indian Institute of Information Technology (IIIT) Ranchi allegedly died by suicide in his hostel room on Saturday night, police said on Sunday. The incident was discovered when hostel inmates found the room locked from the inside and alerted the institute administration, which in turn informed the police. Ranchi (Sadar) deputy superintendent of police Sanjeev Besra confirmed the death and said a probe was underway to determine the cause. Besra said the deceased was a first‑year student from Bihar and that preliminary investigation suggests examination pressure, with exams having started on October 8. The body has been sent to RIMS Ranchi for a post‑mortem examination. The hostel room was sealed and a forensic team collected the student’s mobile phone and other items for examination. The student’s family has been notified and is expected to arrive in Ranchi by tonight. Students on campus have begun an agitation demanding better counselling support during examinations and improved medical facilities, arguing that proper medical care might have saved the student. Police are recording statements from some students to ascertain whether examination stress or another factor contributed to the death. The incident has also been reported to the National Commission for Protection of Child Rights (NCPCR). Former NCPCR chairperson and current member of the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), Priyank Kanoongo, said the commission was taking cognisance of the untimely death and would investigate alleged delays in medical treatment, possible administrative negligence and the circumstances surrounding the alleged suicide. He added that the commission would give necessary directions to the Education Ministry, law enforcement authorities and investigation agencies.