**Tragic Death of IIT Kharagpur Student Raises Concerns Over Mental Health**
A 21-year-old student was discovered dead in his hostel room at the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Kharagpur on Friday, in what is suspected to be a suicide. This incident marks the seventh reported suicide at the institute in the past three years, highlighting ongoing mental health challenges within the campus community.
The student, identified as Ritam Mondal from Kolkata, was found hanging in his room at approximately 11:30 AM. Concerned friends, who had not heard from him since 11 AM, repeatedly knocked on his door before alerting college authorities, who subsequently contacted the police. Upon arrival, law enforcement broke down the door and found Mondal hanging from a ceiling fan. He was rushed to BC Roy Hospital on campus, where he was pronounced dead.
Ritam Mondal was a fourth-year Mechanical Engineering student residing in Rajendra Prasad Hall. His family has alleged that he faced ragging at the institute, which they believe contributed to his tragic decision. However, the college administration has yet to respond to these claims.
Authorities have registered a case of unnatural death, and an investigation is currently underway. Since 2022, IIT Kharagpur has seen a troubling trend, with four reported suicides this year alone.
The situation has prompted the institute to take action; just two months prior, a 10-member committee was established to address mental health issues among students in light of the rising suicide cases.
As the investigation continues, the IIT community is left grappling with the implications of this tragedy and the urgent need for effective mental health support.
**FAQ**
**What measures is IIT Kharagpur taking to address mental health issues?**
In response to recent suicides, IIT Kharagpur has formed a 10-member committee to examine and improve mental health resources and support for students on campus.