/wion/media/agency_attachments/2024/12/26/2024-12-26t112006978z-wion-white-logo-for-website-2-1.png){kind=logo}
/wion/media/agency_attachments/2024/12/13/2024-12-13t071548098z-wionlogo.webp)
/wion/media/post_attachments/files/2024/09/10/453896-untitled-design-2024-09-10t120027471.png)
New Delhi, India
A massive protest was launched on Monday (Sept 9) by students of the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT), Guwahati, after a third-year computer science engineering student was found dead in his hostel room, the news agency PTI reported citing the police.
The police said that the student hailed from Uttar Pradesh and stayed at the institute's Brahmaputra Hostel. A police officer told PTI that an investigation was underway, adding, the student's body had been sent for a postmortem.
Protest launched
As the news of the student's death started spreading around the campus, several students gathered in front of the administration building demanding justice for the deceased and mental health support for those studying at the institute.
Also read | Minimum salary package at IIT Bombay drops to $4,800 during placement season
Speaking to the news agency, a protesting student said that the victim was suffering from physical health issues and was mentally disturbed too. "He was undergoing treatment and unable to concentrate on his studies," the protester added.
A student from IIT Guwahati, Bimalesh, tragically took his own life due to administration negligence. In response we, the students, held a silent protest on the demand of accountability. This is how they treated us … pic.twitter.com/AEwYbHkjh6
— GIRISH (@Girizz7_) September 9, 2024
Other protesters, meanwhile, alleged that though the third-year student submitted the required medical certificates, the documents were not considered and he subsequently became more depressed.
The dean of the student welfare office held talks with the agitating students and assured them that their physical and mental well-being was IIT Guwahati's top priority.
IITG reacts to student's death
A spokesperson for IIT Guwahati said that the institute was deeply saddened by the student's death. "We extend our heartfelt condolences to the student's family, friends, and loved ones during this difficult time," the spokesperson said.
"The well-being of students is the top priority of IITG and it is committed to providing support and resources to help students navigate the challenges they may face," he added.
The spokesperson also encouraged the institute's student community to reach out to its support networks. "IITG reaffirms its commitment to fostering a supportive and safe environment for all students," he said.
Second death on campus in a month
This was the second such death on the campus in a month and the fourth case this year.
On August 9, a female student of MTech at the institute was found dead in her hostel room. She was also from Uttar Pradesh. Her body was found after her friends noticed her absence from classes during the day.
(With inputs from agencies)