Protests grip IIT Guwahati after fourth student found dead in suspected suicide within a year

A third-year Computer Science student at the Indian Institute of Technology in Guwahati (IITG) was found dead in his hostel room on Monday, triggering widespread protests on campus.

Following the news, some students gathered in front of the administration building, calling for justice for the deceased and urging the institution to provide better mental health support.

"The deceased student was suffering from physical health issues and was disturbed mentally. He was undergoing treatment and unable to concentrate on his studies," claimed one of the protesting students.


The protesters also alleged that despite submitting the necessary medical certificates, the student's condition was not adequately addressed, leading to increased depression.

The deceased, a male student from Uttar Pradesh, was discovered in his room at Brahmaputra Hostel, according to the Police. The cause of death is under investigation, and the body has been sent for a postmortem examination.

This incident marks the fourth student death at IITG this year. On August 9, a female student was allegedly found hanging in her room.

The dean of students' welfare met with the demonstrators and assured them that IITG prioritizes the physical and mental well-being of its students.

"IITG is deeply saddened to report the loss of a student from our community. We extend our heartfelt condolences to the student's family, friends, and loved ones during this difficult time," a spokesperson for the institute said.

The spokesperson emphasized that IITG is committed to supporting its students and ensuring their well-being, stating, "We encourage our student community to reach out to our support networks. IITG reaffirms its commitment to fostering a supportive and safe environment for all students."

"IITG remains dedicated to prioritizing the mental health and well-being of our student community during these challenging times," the spokesperson added.