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Double tragedy at IIIT: One suicide, one cardiac death

Deaths raise concerns about academic pressure, mental health support in top institutions

3 MIN READ

Madala Rahul Chaitanya, a specially-abled student from Nizamabad district of Telangana, allegedly died by suicide by jumping from the fifth floor of his hostel.

Student with hearing impairment jumps to death

Also Read: India: IIT Dhanbad student found dead in hostel bathroom; suspicion of suicide and narcotics

In a deeply distressing incident, Madala Rahul Chaitanya, a specially-abled student from Nizamabad district of Telangana, allegedly died by suicide by jumping from the fifth floor of his hostel.

The incident occurred around 11:55pm on Saturday at the institute’s Jhalwa campus in Prayagraj. Rahul was to celebrate his 21st birthday on Sunday.

According to police reports, Rahul, who had a hearing impairment, had been struggling academically and was reportedly depressed after failing an exam. Police said no suicide note was found at the scene, but his last message to his mother has raised concerns about his mental state. Hours before his death, he texted his mother asking her to take care of his younger brother and father.

His mother, Swarnalatha, revealed that she sensed something was wrong when she received the message. “I called him immediately, but his phone was switched off. I then contacted his friend, who went to check on him. Minutes later, I was told that he was being rushed to the hospital,” she said. Tragically, Rahul succumbed to his injuries at SRN Hospital during treatment.

Rahul had secured an All India Rank of 52 in the Economically Weaker Section (EWS) category of JEE Mains last year and was seen as a bright student. His mother, however, alleged that the administration failed to inform them that he had been skipping classes for the past six months. She questioned why the institution had not reached out earlier if he was struggling academically and emotionally.

Following his death, students staged a protest on campus, demanding a thorough investigation and better student support systems.

Second student dies of cardiac arrest

As the campus mourned Rahul’s passing, yet another tragedy struck the same night. Katravath Akhil (20), another first-year B.Tech student also from Telangana, suffered a fatal cardiac arrest.

IIIT Allahabad’s Public Relations Officer, Pankaj Mishra, confirmed that Akhil had been battling multiple health issues, which led to the sudden deterioration of his condition. His unexpected death further deepened the grief and anxiety among students and faculty.

Investigation and institutional response

In response to the twin tragedies, IIIT Allahabad has formed a three-member inquiry committee to investigate the circumstances surrounding both deaths. The committee, comprising Director-in-Charge G.C. Nandi, Professor O.P. Vyas, and Dean Pawan Chakraborty (SA), has been directed to submit its findings within a week. Additionally, the institute has recommended forming a sub-committee involving student representatives to address concerns regarding student well-being.

In an official statement, the institute acknowledged the emotional toll these incidents have taken on the student community and assured that faculty members and the administration are available to provide psychological support to those affected.

Authorities, including Assistant Commissioner of Police Ajendra Yadav, have confirmed that investigations are ongoing. “Legal action is being taken, and we are ensuring that peace and order are maintained on campus,” he said.

Calls for greater mental health support

The back-to-back deaths of young students have reignited concerns about academic pressure and mental health support in India’s top educational institutions. Students and parents alike are urging universities to take proactive measures to support students struggling with stress and mental health issues.

As investigations continue, IIIT Allahabad is left grappling with a moment of profound loss, prompting urgent discussions about the need for better academic counselling, mental health resources, and student outreach initiatives to prevent such tragedies in the future.

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