A 19 year old student, Rishi Nair, was found dead in BITS Pilani Goa campus in his hostel room on Thursday morning. This incident marks the fifth student death at the campus since December 2024, prompting grave concerns among students, faculty, authorities, and families.
The police are investigating the case, and a state government committee has been formed to probe the spate of deaths that have shaken this academic community over the past year.
Details of the Incident and Ongoing Investigation
Rishi, a second-year MSc student, was found motionless in his room around 10:45 am after failing to respond to repeated calls by his parents and hostel staff. Authorities had to force open his door to gain entry. Verna police Inspector Anand Shirodkar disclosed that vomit was found in the room, and Rishi had been undergoing clinical treatment, including taking antidepressant medication. The police are awaiting the post-mortem report to determine if his death was due to suicide or an overdose.
According to officials, Rishi’s mental health was severely affected following the suicide of his girlfriend in Hyderabad a few months earlier. BITS Pilani Goa campus PRO Arjun Halarnkar paid tribute to Rishi, saying, “He was courageously managing a personal health challenge and recently transferred to the Goa campus from Hyderabad to be closer to family for support.” The administration has pledged full cooperation with the ongoing investigation.
A Troubling Pattern of Student Deaths Sparks Concerns
Over the last ten months, the campus has witnessed four other student deaths under tragic circumstances: Om Priyan Singh in December 2024, Atharv Desai in March 2025, Krishna Kasera in May 2025, and Kushagra Jain in August 2025. Several of these cases have been confirmed or suspected suicides, with families and students demanding urgent answers and enhanced safety measures.
The recent incidents have raised urgent questions about campus safety, the mental well-being of students, academic pressures, and the level of institutional support. While the management has introduced counselling services, helplines, and curriculum reforms aimed at reducing stress, voices from the community and mental health experts suggest more robust, proactive strategies are necessary to stem this distressing trend.
Government Action and Calls for Systemic Reforms
Goa Chief Minister Pramod Sawant, addressing the press, described the repeated incidents as “unfortunate” and announced the formation of a special committee under the district collector to undertake a comprehensive probe. He assured that the government is committed to taking necessary steps after reviewing the committee’s findings.
Meanwhile, opposition leaders and student groups have called for more transparency and accountability, emphasising the need for sustained mental health support frameworks rather than temporary measures. They urge educational institutions across the country to strengthen peer counselling, early intervention, and stress management systems to prevent future tragedies.
The Logical Indian’s Perspective
This series of tragic student deaths at a prestigious institution like BITS Pilani Goa is a stark reminder of the hidden struggles faced by many young individuals today. It exposes the urgent need for holistic approaches that integrate mental health awareness, accessible professional help, and empathetic peer environments within academic institutions.
While investigations and condolences are vital, they are only the beginning. What these losses demand is a cultural and systemic change in how we perceive, respond to, and support mental health challenges among youth. Educational institutions must become sanctuaries of care – where struggles are met with understanding, not stigma, where dialogue and kindness prevail.
