Mohammad Asif Qamar, a 22-year-old third-year civil engineering student from Bihar, was found hanging in his hostel room at Madan Mohan Malaviya Hall (MMM Hall), IIT Kharagpur, in the early hours of Sunday, May 5. The incident came to light after a friend in Delhi, who was on a video call with Qamar, witnessed the act and immediately alerted campus security.
Despite prompt intervention by security and police, Qamar was declared dead at the campus hospital. This marks the second student suicide at IIT Kharagpur within two weeks and the third in four months, sparking urgent discussions on student mental health.
The institute has formed a high-level committee to investigate the circumstances and recommend preventive measures, while police await the autopsy report and continue their probe.
Campus Tragedy Unfolds Amid Growing Concerns
According to campus officials and police, Qamar’s room had been locked from the inside since Saturday night. His roommate was away on leave, leaving Qamar alone. The tragedy unfolded during a late-night video call with a friend in Delhi. The friend, alarmed by what he saw, quickly searched for the IIT Kharagpur security contact online and called the emergency number at 2:53 am.
Security personnel and police reached the scene, broke open the door around 3:30 am, and found Qamar hanging. He was rushed to BC Roy Technology Hospital, where he was declared dead.
The institute issued a statement expressing “deep sadness” over the loss and extended condolences to Qamar’s family and friends, adding, “We are committed to providing them with unwavering support and assistance during this challenging time.” The administration has urged students to utilise the mental health and well-being services available on campus.
Pattern of Suicides and Institutional Response
Qamar’s death is the latest in a series of student suicides at IIT Kharagpur, following the deaths of Aniket Walkar on April 20 and Shaon Malik in January 2024. Notably, all recent suicides have occurred on Sundays, prompting questions about underlying stressors and the campus environment.
Qamar, who joined IIT Kharagpur in 2022, was reportedly showing academic improvement and had enrolled in additional computer science courses. However, he faced an exam malpractice case earlier this year, resulting in deregistration from one course. Officials stated there was no record of him seeking counselling or reporting mental health issues.
In response to the spate of suicides, IIT Kharagpur has implemented several measures, including 24×7 counselling services, QR codes on hostel doors for immediate access to help, and awareness campaigns. The newly constituted committee-comprising psychiatrists, counsellors, faculty, alumni, and student representatives-has been tasked with investigating the causes and recommending actionable solutions within three days.
The Logical Indian’s Perspective
The tragic loss of Mohammad Asif Qamar is a stark reminder of the mental health crisis facing students in India’s most prestigious institutions. While IIT Kharagpur’s recent steps to enhance support are commendable, these repeated tragedies call for a more empathetic, transparent, and proactive approach to student welfare.
We urge educational leaders, faculty, parents, and peers to foster open conversations, reduce stigma, and create a culture where seeking help is encouraged and normalised. Every student deserves to feel seen, supported, and valued-not just academically, but as individuals.
How can we, as a society, build safer and more compassionate campuses where no student feels alone in their struggles? Share your thoughts and let’s work together for meaningful change.
