A 22-year-old fourth-year MTech student at Indian Institute of Technology Kharagpur, identified as Soham Haldar, was found dead in his hostel room on April 28 after allegedly dying by suicide. A scheduled message sent to his family in Barasat alerted them to his death, prompting authorities to intervene.
Campus security broke into the locked room at the Madan Mohan Malaviya Hall and discovered his body hanging. Police have registered a case of unnatural death and stated that prima facie there is no evidence of foul play, with a post-mortem underway. The incident reportedly the second such death on campus within ten days has intensified concerns among students, families and officials about mental health pressures in premier institutions.
Scheduled Message Triggers Discovery Of Tragedy
According to reports, the student had pre-scheduled a message that read, “I am dying, my body will be in the room… call them to take my body,” which was delivered to his family on Tuesday morning. Alarmed by the message, his family contacted campus authorities, leading security personnel to check his hostel room, which had remained locked from inside.
Officials said the door was forced open and the student was found hanging. Police sources confirmed that the body was sent for post-mortem examination and that an investigation is ongoing to ascertain the circumstances surrounding the death. While no detailed suicide note has been reported beyond the message, authorities have indicated that initial findings point towards suicide, with no immediate signs of external involvement. Institute officials have expressed grief and are cooperating with law enforcement as part of standard protocol.
Second Death In 10 Days Raises Serious Concerns
This incident is the second reported student death at IIT Kharagpur within a span of ten days, following the earlier death of another student under suspected suicide circumstances. The recurrence of such incidents has sparked renewed scrutiny over the pressures faced by students in elite institutions, including academic stress, isolation and possible gaps in mental health support systems.
Reports suggest that multiple such cases have emerged from the campus in recent years, prompting calls for stronger counselling frameworks and more accessible mental health services. Police have stated that they are examining all possible angles, including personal and academic factors, while awaiting forensic and post-mortem reports to establish further clarity.
The Logical Indian’s Perspective
This tragedy highlights the urgent need to prioritise mental health within educational institutions, especially those known for intense academic environments. While centres of excellence focus on intellectual growth, equal attention must be given to emotional well-being. Campuses must foster safe, empathetic spaces where students feel supported and encouraged to seek help without fear of stigma.
Strengthening counselling systems, peer networks, and early intervention mechanisms can make a meaningful difference. As a society, how can we ensure that students feel safe enough to reach out for help before reaching such a breaking point?
Also Read: UP Horror: 38-Year-Old Varanasi Businessman Beaten to Death by Mob After Car Hits Woman
#WestBengal | "I am dying, my body will be in the room. I've left the security number. Call them to take my body from the room." A fourth-year #IIT #Kharagpur #engineering #student's chilling message to his family, informing them of his death in the hostel room, led to the… pic.twitter.com/GDZphn1Fy4
— The Times Of India (@timesofindia) April 29, 2026
