A first-year student at IIIT Allahabad, Rahul Madala Chaitanya, died by suicide on the eve of his 21st birthday. The investigation reveals he had been distressed due to recent academic failures. The institute has formed a committee to probe the incident and ensure student welfare, while mental health support resources have been highlighted.
A first-year student at the Indian Institute of Information Technology (IIIT) in Allahabad tragically died by suicide at the hostel late Saturday night, a day before his 21st birthday. Rahul Madala Chaitanya, a specially-abled student from Telangana, reportedly jumped from the fifth floor of his hostel. Preliminary investigations indicate that Rahul was distressed due to failing an examination before the incident, and no suicide note was found.
The police have confirmed that they received a call at around 11:55 PM and rushed Rahul to the hospital, where he later succumbed to his injuries. A detailed inquiry is currently ongoing, as it appears that he had been feeling despondent for the last few days following his exam results.
In a poignant message to his mother, Swarnalatha, just before the incident, he requested her to take care of his younger brother and father. Upon learning of the tragedy, she expressed her distress, stating she attempted to reach him but found his phone turned off. Rahul had been reported to have missed classes for six months, a fact the administration did not inform his family about until after the incident.
Rahul excelled academically, achieving an All India Rank of 52 in the JEE Mains exam’s Economically Weaker Sections category the previous year. His father operates a tiffin business, and Rahul, described as studious and reserved, regularly communicated with his family via video calls. Following the incident, students at the institute organized a protest to honor Rahul and address mental health concerns.
In response to the incident, IIIT Allahabad has established a three-member committee to thoroughly investigate the circumstances surrounding the tragedy. This committee is composed of the Director-in-Charge GC Nandi, Professor OP Vyas, and Dean Pawan Chakraborty. The institute emphasized its commitment to providing emotional and psychological support to affected individuals, reaffirming its dedication to student welfare.
The tragic death of Rahul Madala Chaitanya raises critical concerns regarding mental health awareness and support systems within academic institutions. As IIIT Allahabad has initiated an investigation into the matter, it underscores the imperative for enhanced communication and vigilance in recognizing student struggles. Furthermore, the incident highlights the crucial role of mental health resources and community support in educational environments.
Original Source: www.ndtv.com
