The deceased was a 21-year-old student hailing from Uttar Pradesh, studying Computer Science and Engineering at IIT Guwahati. The protesters allege academic pressures led to the student’s death
After a third-year BTech student was found dead in his hostel room on Monday, protests erupted across the campus. This was the second such death on the campus in a month and the fourth case this year. The deceased was a 21-year-old student hailing from Uttar Pradesh, studying Computer Science and Engineering at the IIT.
Several students gathered in front of the admin building to protest against the student’s death. The protesters allege academic pressures led to the student’s death and claimed that the deceased was unable to meet the 75 per cent attendance requirement due to which he was not allowed to appear for the exams.
Thousands of IIT Guwahati students gathered in front of the admin building to protest against the death of a student. This is the second death within a month.The institute said it is “working closely with the Police to investigate the circumstances surrounding” the incident. pic.twitter.com/O5d8M7tYme— Rokibuz Zaman (@ROKIBUZZAMAN2) September 9, 2024
Another suicide case within a month in IIT Guwahati campus after Saumya’s case .This is a matter of concern and investigation where the authorities should pay attention .These incidents made a vigorous effect on students of IITG which outraged as protest.— Akshit Katiyar (@Akshit9981) September 9, 2024
@IITGuwahati student protestsreason why 3rd year student committed #suicide….he had health issues and wasn’t able to fulfill 75% attendance criteria and here comes the great professor who didn’t allowed him to sit in examinationsattendance>>students lyf pic.twitter.com/Z8hb7zI3c6— aman (@aman1291965) September 9, 2024
IIT Guwahati issued a statement on Monday stating that students’ well being is their “top priority”. “IITG is deeply saddened to report the loss of a student from our community. We extend our heartfelt condolences to the student’s family, friends, and loved ones during this difficult time,” a spokesperson said.
“We encourage our student community to reach out to our support networks. IITG reaffirms its commitment to fostering a supportive and safe environment for all students,” the spokesperson added.
“IITG remains dedicated to prioritising the mental health and well-being of our student community during these challenging times,” he added.
A 23-year-old from Uttar Pradesh who was studying MTech at IIT Guwahati was found dead in her hostel room on August 9. While Sourav Kumar, a first-year B-tech student died by suicide on April 10. The deceased who was studying computer science at the institute allegedly died by hanging himself in his hostel room. While the exact cause was unknown, sources had suggested academic pressure and some personal reasons might have played a role.
— with PTI inputs
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