Second student death in 10 days shocks IIT Kharagpur campus

Authorities launch probe as concerns over student well-being grow

Kharagpur: The campus of the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Kharagpur has been shaken by the death of a fourth-year student, marking the second such incident within just 10 days.

The deceased, Soham Halder (22), was a final-year student of Electronics and Electrical Communication Engineering and a resident of Pandit Madanmohan Malviya Hall. Originally from Barasat in North 24 Parganas, he was found in his hostel room after authorities were alerted that he had not responded and his room remained locked since Tuesday morning.

Security personnel, along with police, broke open the door and recovered him. He was immediately taken to BC Roy Hospital on campus, where doctors declared him dead.

The exact cause of death remains unknown, and police have initiated an investigation, examining all possible circumstances surrounding the incident.

This tragic development comes less than two weeks after the death of another student, Jaiveer Singh Dariya (21), a third-year Manufacturing Engineering student, whose body was found near Atal Bihari Vajpayee Hall on April 18.

The back-to-back incidents have sparked serious concern among students, faculty, and parents. Questions are being raised about campus safety, mental health awareness, and the availability of adequate support systems for students at one of India’s premier institutions.

As the investigation continues, the institute community remains in shock, with growing demands for stronger preventive measures and enhanced mental health support to ensure student well-being.