A 20-year-old first-year physiotherapy student died by suicide at Surabhi Medical College in Mittapalli, located in Siddipet district. The student, identified as E. Srija, hailed from Peddapalli district in Telangana and was found hanging in her hostel room on 22 February 2026. Police reached the campus after being alerted by college authorities and registered a case under relevant provisions of law.
Preliminary investigations are examining her recent phone activity and statements from family members, classmates and staff. While no suicide note has been recovered and no official cause has been confirmed, authorities say the probe is ongoing. The incident has left her family devastated and sparked renewed conversations about student wellbeing and mental health support systems in higher education institutions.
Student Found in Hostel Room; Investigation in Early Stages
According to police officials, Srija was discovered in her hostel room after she failed to respond to calls and did not step out as usual. Concerned peers reportedly alerted the college administration, who then informed the authorities. Police arrived at the scene, shifted the body for post-mortem examination and began standard inquest procedures.
An officer associated with the case stated that a formal investigation has been initiated and that digital records, including recent phone calls, are being scrutinised as part of routine inquiry. Reports suggest she had received a phone call from an unidentified individual days before her death, though officials have clarified that it would be premature to draw conclusions about any link.
“We are verifying all angles. Statements from family members, students and staff are being recorded,” an investigating officer said, adding that more clarity will emerge after forensic and technical analysis. College authorities have not issued a detailed public statement but are said to be cooperating fully with the investigation.
Family’s Grief and Wider Concerns Around Student Wellbeing
Srija was a fresher who had recently begun her physiotherapy course and was adjusting to hostel life away from home. She was reportedly under the guardianship of her maternal uncle, who has expressed shock and anguish over the loss. In his complaint to the police, he sought a thorough inquiry into the circumstances leading up to her death.
Relatives described her as a quiet and focused student who had aspired to build a career in healthcare. As investigators continue their probe, student groups and members of civil society have called for greater transparency and stronger institutional support mechanisms. Incidents involving young students often bring attention to the pressures faced during the transition from school to professional education academic expectations, social adjustment, financial concerns and personal challenges can compound silently.
Mental health advocates note that many students hesitate to seek help due to stigma or fear of judgement. In recent years, policymakers and educators across the state have discussed the need for accessible counselling services, peer mentorship programmes and confidential grievance redressal systems to ensure students feel supported.
While there is no confirmed indication of the factors that influenced this particular tragedy, the case has once again highlighted the importance of early intervention and safe channels for emotional expression within campuses.
The Logical Indian’s Perspective
The loss of a young life at the very beginning of a promising academic journey is deeply heartbreaking. Beyond the immediate shock and grief, such incidents compel us to reflect on the ecosystems we are building for our youth. Educational institutions are not merely spaces for academic instruction; they are communities where young adults shape their identities, ambitions and emotional resilience.
It is therefore essential that colleges prioritise robust mental health frameworks including trained counsellors, sensitised faculty, peer support groups and regular wellbeing check-ins. Families, too, must feel empowered to maintain open, non-judgemental communication with students navigating new environments.
