IIT-Delhi PhD student found dead in hostel room

A PCR call was received at Kishangarh police station that the student had not responded to knocks on his room door. The Station House Officer (SHO) of Kishangarh police station and local police staff rushed to the location and found that the room was locked from the inside. Fire service personnel were called in to assist, and the door was forcibly opened, said police. Inside, the student lay unconscious on the bed. Medical staff from IIT-Delhi who examined him at the scene declared him dead.  “There were no visible external injuries found on the body. However, some vomit was observed on the floor, indicating possible health-related complications. The Crime Team and Forensic Team were called to the spot for further investigation and examination,” said a police officer.

According to police, preliminary investigation revealed that the student had dinner on Monday and went back to his room, after which no one saw him. When he remained unresponsive through the next day, fellow students alerted the security staff, who then called the police.

“After the necessary legal and procedural formalities, the body was shifted to Safdarjung Hospital Mortuary for a post-mortem examination,” said the officer.

Officials from IIT-Delhi expressed shock and remorse over the student’s death.

On Wednesday evening, Dean Student Affairs at IIT-Delhi, B K Panigrahi, wrote in an email to students: “With a very heavy heart, it is our unfortunate duty to inform you of the tragic and untimely demise of our student Ayush Singhal, a resident of Dronagiri hostel and a second-year research scholar of the Centre for Biomedical Engineering. His body was found in his room. The police have taken custody of his mortal remains.”

“While we try to deal with the terrible pain and sorrow, the loss to his family and friends is unimaginable. His family is expected to arrive today. A condolence meeting will be fixed by the registrar in due course. This challenging time reminds us of the constant need to be there for each other. You are also requested to reach out to the multiple counselling avenues in our system if you need help in coping with this tragedy. Of course, all faculty and administration are also there for any support,” Panigrahi wrote.