Campus under question: Fourth unnatural death in seven months at IIT Kharagpur

A 21-year-old student at IIT-Kharagpur was found dead in his hostel room on July 18, just three days after returning to campus from a two-month summer break.

Ritam Mondal, a fourth-year mechanical engineering student from Kolkata, was enrolled in a five-year dual degree program. His classes resumed on July 17.

This incident marks the fourth unnatural death reported at the institute in the past seven months.

Police suspect the death may be a suicide, possibly following a personal dispute. However, they are awaiting the results of the post-mortem examination at Midnapore Medical College Hospital before confirming the cause.

"The exact cause of death will be known after the autopsy," a district police officer said.

Mondal’s father, Uttam Mondal, grew concerned when his son didn’t answer phone calls and asked a hostel employee to check on him.

"Ritam’s father, Uttam Mondal, panicked after he did not pick up his calls and contacted a hostel employee to check on his son. The employee found the student hanging," said a source.

Following the discovery, the institute's medical and security teams, along with senior administrative officials, the director, and local police, were present at the scene. Ritam’s parents arrived later in the day.

According to another hostel resident, Ritam had returned to his room after dinner on July 17 and showed no unusual behavior. He shared the room with two other students, who had not yet returned from the summer break.

A statement from IIT-Kharagpur said the institute’s Sarth counseling center had no prior records indicating any mental health issues.

His department’s faculty adviser also noted that Ritam had no known academic or personal problems.

IIT-Kharagpur director Professor Suman Chakraborty said, "I have asked a fact-finding panel to provide a concrete and detailed report on the incident after gathering information from the department, hostel, counselling center, and hospital. The committee will also speak to hostel employees and his friends."

The institute has formed a five-member committee to investigate the matter, while police continue their own inquiry.