The Indian Institute of Technology (IIT)-Guwahati is facing widespread protests following the death of a 21-year-old student from Uttar Pradesh, found hanging in his hostel room. The incident marks the fourth student death at the prestigious institute this year, fueling student anger over what they claim is the administration’s insensitivity towards both students and their families.
Students have alleged that the institute’s focus on grades has overshadowed concern for student welfare. A massive protest erupted on campus last evening as frustrations boiled over, with students accusing the administration of neglect and a lack of mental health support.
The NDTV quoted a student of the IIT Guwahati, who spoke to the channel on condition and of anonymity, as saying, “I saw through the ventilator my friend was hanging from the fan. The guards stopped us from breaking the door. It took almost 30 minutes before it could be opened. Whether he was alive or not wasn’t their concern.”
He further alleged that once the door was opened, security personnel prevented a nurse from checking the student’s pulse.
“We lost him, but the body was not brought down the entire night. It was taken down eight hours after the door was opened,” the student added, blaming the delay on orders from the administration.
ALSO READ: Caught on Cam: Viral video shows Audi owned by Maharashtra BJP chief’s son ramming multiple vehicles
In a disturbing accusation, the IIT Guwahati student claimed that senior officials, including the dean and chairperson of the Hostel Affairs Board, stopped them from informing the deceased’s family and even tried to delete video evidence captured on students’ phones.
The incident has sparked a broader debate about the state of mental health and support systems at IIT Guwahati. Students have raised concerns about the institute’s handling of mental health crises and the apparent failure of welfare measures.
The student’s body has been sent for a post-mortem at Gauhati Medical College and Hospital, and a response from the IIT-G administration is awaited regarding the allegations.
In an official statement, the institute expressed its condolences: “IITG is deeply saddened by the student’s death and extends its heartfelt condolences to his family and friends. We remain dedicated to prioritizing the mental health and well-being of our student community during these challenging times.”
The death has once again highlighted the growing issue of mental health crises in India’s educational institutions, particularly in high-pressure environments like IITs, where student suicides have become a tragic recurring issue. Students continue to demand more robust support systems and a shift in administrative priorities to prevent future tragedies.
