Tragedy Strikes IIT Kharagpur: Fourth Student Suicide in 2025
In a deeply troubling development, Ritam Mondal, a 21-year-old BTech student from the Mechanical Engineering department of IIT Kharagpur, was found dead in his hostel room on 19 July 2025, the latest in a string of student <a title="student" href="https://www.benefitnews24.com/crime/ncw-seeks-report-on-odisha-student-s-suicide-bid/16321" target="_blank" rel="noopener">suicides</a> that have rocked the premier Indian institute.
Mondal&rsquo;s lifeless body was discovered at Rajendra Prasad Hall, one of the residential hostels on the campus, hanging from a ceiling fan. According to local police from the Hijli outpost, they were alerted by campus officials after Mondal's friends raised concerns on Friday morning, 18 July, when he did not answer knocks or phone calls.
Officers forced open the door and immediately shifted the student to BC Roy Hospital inside the IIT campus, where doctors declared him brought dead. The body was later sent to Midnapore Medical College and Hospital for a post-mortem examination.
A case of unnatural death has been registered under the Indian Penal Code, and an official probe is ongoing. While preliminary findings suggest suicide, authorities have not ruled out foul play.
ALSO READ: https://www.benefitnews24.com/crime/b-tech-student-found-dead-in-bhopal-suicide-suspected/14216
In a significant twist, the victim&rsquo;s family has alleged that Ritam was a victim of ragging, which may have pushed him towards taking the drastic step. Police confirmed they are examining all angles, including the possibility of harassment. As of 19 July, IIT Kharagpur has not issued a response to the ragging allegation.
The institute, however, released a general statement expressing deep sorrow and condolence to the bereaved family.
Since 2022, seven students at IIT Kharagpur have allegedly died by suicide, including four in 2025 alone, sparking renewed debate over student mental health, institutional accountability, and the need for anti-ragging enforcement.

IIT Kharagpur student Ritam Mondal found dead in hostel, police probe ragging allegation

Fourth Student Suicide Reported at IIT Kharagpur

IIT Kharagpur student Ritam Mondal found dead in hostel, police probe ragging allegation

July 19, 2025 | 17:09 IST