On Sunday, April 20, 2025, a 22-year-old final-year student from Maharashtra was found deceased in his hostel room at IIT Kharagpur. Authorities suspect suicide as the cause of death, marking the second such incident at the institute this year.​

Incident Details
The student, whose identity has not been publicly disclosed, was discovered after his classmates knocked on his door and received no response. They alerted campus security, who subsequently contacted the police. Upon entering the room, officers found the student unresponsive. The police are conducting a thorough investigation into the circumstances surrounding the death, and the institute is fully cooperating with the authorities .​
The Indian Express

Previous Incidents
This incident follows a similar case earlier this year. In January 2025, a third-year Electrical Engineering student, Shaon Malik, was found dead in his hostel room. The institute responded by urging students to report any signs of depression or unusual behavior among their peers and to seek counseling services when necessary .​

Earlier incidents include the deaths of Kiran Chandra, a fourth-year Electrical Engineering student from Telangana, in October 2023, and Devika Pillai, a third-year Bioscience and Biotechnology student from Kerala, in June 2024 .​
Telegraph India

Institutional Response
In response to these incidents, IIT Kharagpur has emphasized the importance of mental health awareness. Acting Director Amit Patra has urged students to report any signs of depression or unusual behavior among their peers and to seek counseling services when necessary .​

The institute has a dedicated Students’ Counselling Centre that offers a broad range of services, including psychological assessment, individual therapy, group therapy, and medication management. Full-time clinical psychologists and a visiting psychiatrist are available for consultation at the Centre .​
Indian Institute of Technology Kharagpur

Additionally, the institute has initiated an outreach program to create a team of sensitized wing representatives from each Hall of Residence who can reach out to students in need. The Centre addresses problems associated with stress, time management, motivational issues, relationship difficulties, impulse control issues, and learning difficulties. It also helps students experiencing significant depression, anxiety, mood swings, or other thought disorders .​
Indian Institute of Technology Kharagpur

Call to Action
IIT Kharagpur continues to encourage students to utilize available counseling and support services if needed. The institute has informed the campus community of the incident through an official email, expressing condolences and urging students to reach out to the Counselling Centre or other support mechanisms during times of emotional distress .​
Careers360

Students are also encouraged to check in on their friends and classmates, offer a listening ear, and share their feelings and concerns with those they trust. The institute believes that supporting one another is crucial in navigating difficult times .​

Conclusion
The recent incidents at IIT Kharagpur highlight the critical importance of mental health awareness and support systems within academic institutions. The institute’s proactive measures and resources aim to provide students with the necessary support to navigate emotional challenges and foster a community of care and understanding.