28-Year-Old PhD Student Dies by Suicide at IIT Kanpur: A Tragic Loss

In a tragic incident at the prestigious Indian Institute of Technology Kanpur (IIT-K), a 28-year-old PhD student, Pragati Kharya, ended her life by suicide. The promising researcher, a resident of Sanigawan in Kanpur, was found hanging from a ceiling fan in her hostel room (D-116) in Hall Number-4. This heartbreaking incident occurred during the intervening night of Thursday, marking the fourth such case of student suicide at IIT-K in the past year.

The Incident Unfolds

The matter came to light on Thursday noon when Pragati’s hostel mates noticed something amiss and informed the IIT-K authorities. Subsequently, the authorities alerted the police. According to Deputy Commissioner of Police (West), Rajesh Kumar Singh, the police were notified about the suicide at around 12 pm. Upon arrival, the police found the door to Pragati's room locked from the inside. After breaking it open, they discovered her lifeless body hanging from the ceiling fan.

A forensic team was immediately called to investigate the circumstances of her death. Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP) Abhishek Pandey confirmed that a suicide note was recovered from the room, in which Pragati did not hold anyone responsible for her decision to take this extreme step. The note, along with a mobile phone found in the room, is expected to assist the police in understanding the possible reasons behind her suicide. However, the final conclusion will only be drawn after a thorough investigation.

A Promising Researcher Gone Too Soon

Pragati Kharya had joined IIT Kanpur’s PhD program in Earth Sciences in December 2021. In an official statement, IIT Kanpur expressed deep sorrow and mourned the loss of a bright young researcher. "With profound grief, IIT Kanpur mourns the tragic and untimely demise of Pragati Kharya. With her passing, the institute has lost a promising researcher, and our deepest condolences go out to her family and friends during this time of great loss," the statement read.

The statement further mentioned that the institute is awaiting the results of the police investigation to determine the exact cause of her death.

Alarming Pattern of Suicides at IIT Kanpur

This incident is not an isolated one, as it marks the fourth student suicide at IIT-K in the last year, raising serious concerns about mental health and support systems within the campus. Earlier this year, on January 18, 29-year-old Priyanka Jaiswal, a PhD student in Chemical Engineering, also ended her life in her hostel room. Similarly, on January 11, 31-year-old Vikas Kumar Meena, an M.Tech second-year student, took his own life after reportedly being "temporarily" barred from continuing his course. In December 2023, postdoctoral researcher Pallavi Chilka (34) also died by suicide in her hostel room.

These consecutive tragedies have left the academic community at IIT-K deeply shaken and have sparked ongoing discussions about the pressures faced by students and the need for enhanced mental health support systems.

Investigations Underway

The police are continuing their investigation, with forensic teams examining evidence to understand the circumstances that led to Pragati’s death. The authorities have also sent the body to the mortuary for post-mortem, and her family members have arrived at the campus. Possible reasons behind the suicide will be revealed after the completion of the investigation, according to ACP Pandey.

Addressing Mental Health on Campuses

The spate of suicides at IIT Kanpur has once again highlighted the mental health crisis that many students face, particularly those in demanding academic environments. The pressures of research, academic deadlines, and personal challenges can take a toll on mental well-being, often leading students to feel overwhelmed and isolated.

It is crucial for educational institutions to address these issues by providing adequate mental health support, creating open channels for students to seek help, and fostering a culture that encourages students to prioritize their mental well-being. The loss of bright minds like Pragati Kharya and others underscores the urgency of this matter.

Conclusion

The untimely and tragic death of Pragati Kharya has left a deep void not only in her family but also in the academic community. As the investigation progresses, it is hoped that the findings will shed light on the factors that contributed to her decision, prompting institutions to take further steps to prevent such heartbreaking incidents in the future.

The IIT Kanpur community is left mourning the loss of yet another promising student, with the hope that steps will be taken to provide better mental health resources and support for students navigating the immense pressures of academic life.