Thousands protest at IIT Guwahati, blaming academic stress for student deaths and demanding support for mental health issues

Protests erupted across the campus after a third-year Bachelor of Technology student was found dead in his hostel room on Monday. This is the second death on campus in a month and the fourth this year. The deceased, a 21-year-old from Uttar Pradesh studying computer science and engineering at IIT Guwahati, reportedly failed to maintain the required 75 percent attendance requirement, which prevented him from appearing in exams.

Protesters claim that academic pressure contributed to his death.

Several students gathered in front of the administration building in protest, saying the student's death was due to academic pressure.

In response, IIT Guwahati issued a statement on Monday stressing that the welfare of students is their “top priority”.

A spokesperson said, “IITG is deeply saddened to announce the loss of a student from our community. We extend our deepest condolences to the student's family, friends and loved ones during this difficult time.”

The speaker also encouraged students to reach out to support networks and reiterated the institution's commitment to providing a supportive and safe environment.

“IITG continues to place great emphasis on making the mental health and wellbeing of our student community a top priority even during these difficult times,” the spokesperson added.

This incident follows the death of a 23-year-old MTech student from Uttar Pradesh on August 9 and the suicide of Sourav Kumar, a first-year BTech student, on April 10. Kumar was also studying computer science at the institute and was found dead in his hostel room. The exact cause of death is not yet fully known, but sources suggest that academic pressure and personal issues may have played a role.

— with PTI inputs