In a tragic incident that has sent shockwaves through the prestigious campus, a final-year B.Tech student at the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Kanpur died by suicide in his hostel room on Sunday. The student, identified as Rohit Kumar, was found deceased in his room at the Hall 2 hostel on the morning of December 29, 2024.
Details of the Tragic Incident
According to police reports, the discovery was made around 10:30 AM. Authorities were immediately alerted, and a team from the Kalyanpur police station arrived at the scene. During their investigation, law enforcement officials recovered a handwritten note from the room. The note, which has become a central piece of evidence, contained a simple yet heartbreaking message: "Sorry everyone."
Preliminary investigations suggest that Rohit Kumar, who hailed from Bihar, was alone in his room at the time of the incident. His fellow students grew concerned when he did not respond to knocks on his door and was absent from expected engagements. The police have stated that no foul play is suspected at this stage, and the primary direction of the inquiry points towards suicide.
Institute Response and Community Mourning
The administration of IIT Kanpur has confirmed the devastating news. In an official communication, the institute expressed its profound grief and extended deepest condolences to the student's family, friends, and peers. The statement emphasized the institute's commitment to supporting the campus community during this difficult time.
Counselling services and psychological support have been swiftly mobilized for students and staff affected by the loss. The incident has reignited urgent conversations about academic pressure and mental well-being among students in high-stakes educational environments like IITs.
Ongoing Investigation and Broader Implications
The Kalyanpur police have registered a case and are conducting a thorough investigation. Officers are speaking to the student's friends, faculty members, and hostel mates to piece together his state of mind in the days leading up to the tragedy. The police are also examining his personal belongings and digital footprint as part of the standard procedure.
This incident marks another somber moment for India's premier engineering institutions, where the intense competition and pressure to succeed can sometimes have severe consequences. It underscores the critical need for robust, accessible, and destigmatized mental health support systems on campuses nationwide.
The last rites of the deceased student are expected to be performed after the completion of necessary legal formalities. The IIT Kanpur community, along with the academic fraternity across the country, is mourning the loss of a young life with a promising future cut tragically short.
