‘I hope my life is saved’: IIT Ropar student realises ‘big mistake’ in final whisper

The victim used to stay in an independent room. Introverted and quiet by nature, he sporadically interacted with other students, who assumed he was focused on his studies.

Recalling the tragic night, IIT Ropar Director Rajeev Ahuja shared that Arun consumed poison in his hostel room on March 15. As soon as the incident came to light, they rushed him to the PGIMER along with 14 faculty members, and his family was informed. His father, sister, and brother-in-law travelled from Telangana to be with him.

Arun appeared to be stabilising before his condition suddenly deteriorated and he passed away on March 22.

In the days before his death, Arun reportedly told doctors and family members, “I made a big mistake. I hope my life is saved. I want to live.”

A suicide note recovered by the police, written in Telugu, was read out by his father, Maninesi Sudhakar. In the note, Arun apologised to his parents, saying, “I am sorry I couldn’t meet your expectations”. He blamed no one for his actions but wrote that his poor language skills had affected his academic performance.

SHO Simranjit Singh said Arun had purchased the poison online. The incident has raised concerns about the easy availability of toxic substances on the internet.

Students on the campus learnt of the tragedy when a message regarding a condolence meeting to mourn his death was circulated in the institute.

A distraught IIT Director Ahuja stressed the need for students to seek support rather than suffering in silence. Emphasising the importance of friendships and support systems, he urged students to talk to someone instead of suffering in silence. “IIT students are the future of the nation, and their well-being must be a priority,” he said.

Ahuja also urged students to choose shared accommodations over single rooms to avoid isolation. In response to growing concerns over student mental health, IIT Ropar has launched eight student clubs, including yoga and NSO groups, to help students manage stress. The institute has also set up a panel of psychologists in Chandigarh, offering free counseling services to students.

The IIT Ropar director reassured students that placement delays are not failures and encouraged them to consider entrepreneurship and alternate career paths. “Every IIT student is talented — job opportunities will come in time. No setback is worth sacrificing one’s life,” he said.