A first-year B. Tech student at the Indian Institute of Information Technology (IIIT) Allahabad died by suicide by jumping from the fifth floor of the boys' hostel in the Jhalwa area. The incident occurred on Sunday (March 30) night, which was also Rahul Chaitanya Madala's birthday.
Before taking the extreme step, Rahul had sent a message to his mother, stating that he was struggling with academic pressure and asking her to take care of the family.
Following this, he reportedly climbed the stairs to the hostel's fifth floor and jumped. The incident, which took place after midnight, sent shockwaves across the campus. The college administration rushed him to a hospital, where doctors declared him brought dead.
The 20-year-old boy, a native of Telangana's Nizamabad, was hearing and speech impaired.
Preliminary reports suggest that Rahul was under distress after failing his first-semester B. Tech exams. This was also mentioned in his message to his mother, where he cited academic pressure as a reason for his actions. His admission to the institute had been secured with an impressive rank of 52.
Rahul's death has triggered outrage among students at IIIT Allahabad. They held a candle march in his memory and staged a protest against the college administration, accusing it of neglecting students' mental health issues.
Protesters demanded regular counselling sessions and workshops to help students cope with academic stress.
Additionally, students alleged that the institution lacks adequate medical facilities on campus. Their grievances were further fueled by the fact that another student had recently died under different circumstances. Students held demonstrations outside the director's residence, demanding his resignation.
Following mounting pressure, the IIIT Allahabad administration has announced a high-level investigation into the incident. Acting Director, Professor GC Nandi, said that a three-member committee has been formed to probe the matter and submit its report within a week.
Moreover, the institute has recommended forming a fact-finding subcommittee with 50 per cent student representation. This committee will address concerns related to faculty misconduct, student grievances, and mental health support.
It will also propose measures to create a more supportive environment for students, particularly those from outstation backgrounds.
Meanwhile, the police have taken possession of Rahul's body and sent it for post-mortem examination.
Further investigation into the matter is underway.
Source: India Today