'Depressed' IIT-KGP research scholar commits suicide

Biswabrata Goswami

MIDNAPORE, 27 APRIL: A research scholar at IIT-Kharagpur was found hanging in his hostel room today, the latest in a string of similar deaths at premier institutes that have been blamed on high stress and mounting depression.

An IIT, KGP official said Bhavanibhatla Kondal Rao, a bright young research scholar from the Department of Mechanical Engineering of the institute met with an unfortunate end. He was found hanging in his room at around 10 am. He hailed from Vijayawada in Andhra Pradesh.

He was pursuing his Ph.D degree under the guidance of the department’s professor D K Pathiar. He got chance for pursuing Ph.D in 2015.

According to a police official, they retrieved the body after breaking open the door of the room number 245 at D block of Ambedkar students’ hostel. His body has been sent to the hospital for autopsy. A laptop has been seized for investigation. The preliminary investigation suggests that he has committed suicide by hanging himself from the ceiling in his room.

An investigating police officer said Rao had married just two months ago. “We will also talk with the family members to ascertain whether he was suffering from any family related dispute,” said the police officer.

The death jolted the institute, considered among the best technical schools in the country that saw a third-year Mathematics student attempting to commit suicide by jumping from the top of the hostel in February.

The institute authorities said the reason behind the suicide has not been ascertained yet.

“We have contacted his parents in Andhra Pradesh as well requesting them to come to campus. We have promised them every possible assistance that IIT Kharagpur can offer in this regard. The cause of death, which is suspected to be suicide, is currently under investigation. We hope speculative statements will be avoided by all concerned. Join us in conveying your sincere condolences and deepest sympathies to his family and friends and stand in solidarity,” Dr Virendra Tiwari, director of IIT, KGP said in his facebook message to his students.

Dr Tiwari also said, “Every Kgpian contributes in some ways to our society. The loss of a Kgpian is a loss to our society. As children are raised to step into IITs, they are not merely the pride of the parents but hope for the entire nation. Challenges will be there in life, even failure, but there are opportunities if we really want to dwell in optimism and positivity. I urge you to look beyond the hurdles which at present may seem like the most critical chapter of your life but are mere speed breakers if you are able to envision your life in the long run. Also, connect with your friends who need your support. Witness the magic in your own life as you volunteer to help others. For any assistance, try to reach out to us, your faculty supervisors, the counselling centre and your peers. Talk to your friends and family, your seniors, your juniors, they are only a tap away from your phone in this century and at this time.”

Representational Image from iNET.