IIT-Delhi student from Banda dies by suicideDidn’t think anything was amiss: Kin

Anil’s eldest brother Amit Kumar, who operates a tempo in their hometown in UP’s Banda, said it was only last month that he had taken leave from college and come back to the village to meet their mother, Vidya
Devi (45). Their father, Suresh Kumar (53), had died two years ago.

“He didn’t say anything about being harassed by anyone or being under pressure due to studies. He was a quiet kid and did not interact a lot with other students. It was a moment of pride for the village when he got into IIT… he did his schooling from Banda,” Amit told The Indian Express.

He added that Anil last spoke to him two days ago, asking for Rs 15,000 for a new phone as his older one stopped working. “We used to send him Rs 3,000 every month as pocket money…,” said Amit. Anil’s brother-in-law, Vimal Kumar, said the family had no inkling about his academic status as he did not share a lot with them. “When we first heard the news about his death, we could not believe it…,” he said.

According to a senior police officer, it appears the incident took place two days ago as the body was in a decomposed state. “So far no foul play has emerged and we have not recovered any suicide note… It has come to light that the student was not performing well due to which he had mental trauma… his body has been kept at Safdarjung Hospital and his parents have been informed. Further probe is ongoing,” said the officer.

Institute to hold condolence meeting

In an email to students following Anil’s death, IIT-Delhi Director Rangan Banerjee wrote, “ With a very heavy heart, it is my unfortunate duty to inform you of the very sad and untimely demise of a young member of our community, Anil Kumar…, a resident of Vindhyachal hostel… Unfortunately, Anil was found… hanging in his room, which was locked from inside. The police have taken custody of his mortal remains. This tragic loss is also compounded by the fact that Anil belonged to the SC community.”

The email further said that a condolence meeting will be organised next week and it requested students to avail the institute’s counselling services.