IIT Delhi Student Found Dead In Hostel Room, Was Last Seen On Monday

A second-year research scholar has been found dead in his hostel room at IIT Delhi. The room was locked from the inside and there were no external injuries on his body.

IIT Delhi has expressed grief over the death and said it is extending all possible support to his family.

Officials said they received a call at the Kishangarh police station on Wednesday about a student not opening the door of his hostel room despite repeated knocking. When they reached the premier institute, police officials found that the door was locked from the inside, and it was forced open with the help of fire service personnel.

The research scholar has been identified as Ayush Singhal, a second-year research scholar of the Centre for Biomedical Engineering, who used to live in the Dronagiri Hostel.

Singhal was found lying unconscious on the bed in the hostel room, and he was declared dead on the spot by IIT doctors.

As per preliminary information, Singhal was last seen at dinner on Monday, after which he went back to his room. He was not seen by, and nor did he contact, any of his fellow students on Tuesday, which raised suspicion, and the matter was reported to the security staff on Wednesday, who informed the police.

"There were no visible external injuries on the body. However, some vomit was observed on the floor, indicating possible health-related complications. The crime and forensic teams were called in for further investigation," said an official.

The body has been sent to the Safdarjung Hospital for post-mortem.

In a statement, the institute said, "IIT Delhi deeply mourns the sad and untimely demise of a second-year PhD student. His body was found in the hostel room today. In this hour of grief, the institute is with the bereaved family and providing all support to them. The Delhi Police are investigating the tragic incident."

In an e-mail to students later, BK Panigrahi, Dean Student Affairs at IIT Delhi, expressed grief over the incident and said a condolence meeting will be held.

"With a very heavy heart, it is our unfortunate duty to inform you of the tragic and untimely demise of our student Ayush Singhal, a resident of Dronagiri hostel and a second-year research scholar of the Centre for Biomedical Engineering. His body was found in his room. The police have taken custody of his mortal remains," Mr Panigrahi wrote.

"While we try to deal with the terrible pain and sorrow, the loss to his family and friends is unimaginable. His family is expected to arrive today. A condolence meeting will be fixed by the registrar in due course.This challenging time reminds us of the constant need for us to be there for each other. You are also requested to reach out to the multiple counselling avenues in our system if you need help in coping with this tragedy. Of course, all faculty and administration are also there for any support." he added.