Panaji: A police investigation into five tragic deaths at the BITS Pilani campus in Goa has uncovered distressing details. The probe revealed that four students took their own lives primarily due to extreme stress caused by examinations.
Investigation Findings Point to Academic Pressure
Goa Chief Minister Pramod Sawant shared the findings from the Verna police station investigation. The inquiry examined five unnatural deaths of BITS Pilani students that occurred between 2023 and 2025.
All five cases happened during examination periods, according to official statements. The police confirmed that four students ended their lives because exam pressure overwhelmed them.
The investigation discovered another heartbreaking circumstance. One student suffered from severe depression after his girlfriend died by suicide. This compounded the tragic situation on campus.
Authorities Take Action Following Tragedies
CM Sawant, who also oversees the education portfolio, described the government's response. Officials conducted a video conference with parents of the deceased students.
Participants included the chairperson of South Goa's district-level monitoring committee. Representatives from the directorate of higher education joined the discussion. Health services officials and South Goa's deputy superintendent of police also participated.
The meeting aimed to understand the reasons behind these unfortunate deaths. Authorities sought deeper insights into the campus situation.
Mental Health Initiatives Implemented
The government organized a one-day health camp at the BITS Pilani Goa campus. The directorate of health services conducted comprehensive screenings.
The camp provided both physical and mental health evaluations for students. Faculty and staff members also received health assessments. Authorities introduced students to TeleMANAS, the national tele-mental health service.
Goa has developed a uniform mental health policy for higher education institutions. The government circulated this policy to all institutes registered under AISHE. BITS Pilani Goa Campus received the policy document with implementation instructions.
Institutions must display the mental health policy publicly. Websites and notice boards should feature the policy for easy student access.
Additional Student Suicides Reported in Goa
CM Sawant disclosed two more student suicide cases beyond the BITS Pilani incidents. One student appeared for his Class XII examinations recently. Family members noticed his disturbed behavior repeatedly after the exams.
Another student struggled with depression after receiving low mathematics marks. These cases highlight the broader mental health challenges facing students.
The police continue their inquiries into all these tragic deaths. Authorities emphasize the urgent need for mental health support systems.
