In a devastating incident, Vikas Kumar Meena, a 31-year-old second-year M.Tech student in Aerospace Engineering at IIT Kanpur, died by suicide in his hostel room. The tragic event unfolded last night, leaving the IIT community in shock. Vikas, a native of Meerut, Uttar Pradesh, was discovered by fellow hostel residents who found his body hanging from a ceiling fan.

The local police were alerted to the situation, and Vikas was swiftly transported to a nearby hospital. Tragically, the medical staff declared him dead upon arrival. The exact reasons behind this extreme step are yet to be confirmed, and the police are investigating the matter.

Dhananjay Pandey, the in-charge of the local police station, stated that Vikas had been under stress for several days leading up to the incident. According to students residing nearby, they noticed a lack of movement in Vikas’s room and decided to check on him. Upon discovering the distressing scene, they promptly informed the authorities.

This unfortunate incident follows the recent suicide of Pallavi Chilka, a doctoral student in the biological sciences and bioengineering department at IIT Kanpur. The institute has witnessed several student suicides over the past five years, shedding light on the mental health challenges faced by students.

The police have sent Vikas Kumar Meena’s body for post-mortem examination, and further actions will be taken based on any complaint filed by his family. It is a somber reminder of the importance of addressing mental health concerns and providing adequate support systems within educational institutions.

If you or someone you know is struggling and needs support, AASRA provides a list of helpline resources here. Let us collectively work towards fostering a culture of mental well-being and support in academic communities.