A tragic incident was reported at the prestigious Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Bombay campus late Tuesday–Wednesday night, where a 21-year-old second-year civil engineering student allegedly died by suicide after jumping from a hostel rooftop. The deceased has been identified as Naman Agrawal, a resident of Pilani in Rajasthan.
According to the Powai police, the incident occurred around 1.30 am on Wednesday. Naman reportedly jumped from the rooftop of nine-storey Hostel No. 4 located within the IIT campus. At the time of the incident, a few students were studying late at night nearby, while a security guard heard a loud sound.
On rushing to the spot, students and security personnel found Naman lying critically injured on the ground. He was immediately rushed to Rajawadi Hospital, where doctors declared him dead on arrival. The body has since been sent for post-mortem examination.
Providing details, Deputy Commissioner of Police Datta Nalawade said that Naman’s family has been informed about the incident. Preliminary investigation has revealed that Naman was residing in Hostel No. 3, whereas the incident took place at Hostel No. 4, raising questions about why he went to the rooftop of another hostel late at night. Police are closely examining this aspect.
The police are questioning Naman’s roommate and other classmates, and a panchnama of his hostel room is being conducted. A senior police officer said it would be premature to draw any conclusions at this stage.
“We are probing the case from all possible angles and are speaking to his friends and classmates to ascertain if any crucial leads emerge,” the officer said.
An Accidental Death Report (ADR) has been registered for now. Police officials stated that if evidence related to abetment to suicide or any other criminal angle emerges during the investigation, further action will be taken as per law.
Naman Agrawal’s death has once again raised serious concerns over mental health pressure and student safety at premier educational institutions in the country. The complete facts of the case will emerge only after the police investigation is concluded.
Suicide Prevention and Mental Health Helpline Numbers:
Tele Manas (Ministry of Health) – 14416 or 1800 891 4416; NIMHANS – 91 80 26995000 /5100 /5200 /5300 /5400; Arpita Suicide Prevention Helpline – 080-23655557; iCALL – 022-25521111 and 9152987821; Peak Mind – 080-456 87786; Vandrevala Foundation – 9999 666 555; COOJ Mental Health Foundation (COOJ) – 0832-225252