IIT Bombay student jumps to death from hostel building amid SC's warnings on campus suicides

A 22‑year‑old IIT Bombay student, identified as Rohit Sinha and hailing from Delhi, allegedly jumped to his death from the tenth floor of a hostel building at the Powai campus on Aug 2.

The incident reportedly occurred at around 2:30 am, according to Mumbai Police. The student was rushed to a nearby hospital where he was declared dead on arrival.

An accidental death report (ADR) has been registered and authorities have initiated a probe into the circumstances surrounding the incident.

Sinha was a fourth-year student in the metallurgical sciences department, as confirmed by police officials. According to witnesses, he was seen jumping from one of the building's upper floors shortly before emergency services arrived.

The incident comes at a time when the Supreme Court of India has raised serious alarm over a rising number of student suicides at premier institutions.

On July 28, the Court described the issue as a “systemic failure”, noting that 98 student suicides have occurred in IITs, IIMs, and other major institutes since 2018, while ordering the implementation of preventive guidelines nationwide.

The Bombay Police confirmed that investigations are ongoing to determine any potential signs of distress or underlying causes.

They have not ruled out registering charges if further evidence emerges. However, at this stage authorities maintain that the death appears self-inflicted and unpremeditated.

The tragedy follows a sobering pattern of student deaths in Indian institutions, prompting judicial and administrative action.

In response to the Supreme Court’s observations, institutions like IIT Kharagpur and Sharda University are already instituting mental health reforms and appointing full-time psychiatrists to mitigate academic stress and psychological distress among students.

Although police have yet to release a suicide note or confirm any academic or personal pressures faced by the deceased, the incident has intensified calls for improved counseling, grievance redressal, and institutional responsibility in top-tier colleges.

Mumbai Police confirmed that the hostel building is part of the standard residential complex for senior students, and no foul play has been reported so far.

A probe team is gathering CCTV footage, interviewing witnesses, and reviewing Sinha’s academic and personal records to help understand what led to the fatal fall.