A 21-year-old civil engineering student at the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Bombay died by suicide in the early hours of Wednesday, prompting an investigation and renewed focus on student mental health.
According to police, CCTV footage showed the student waiting on the terrace of a nine-storey hostel building for nearly ten minutes before jumping at around 1.17 am. He was immediately taken to Rajawadi Hospital, where doctors declared him dead.
The student, a native of Rajasthan, was academically sound and had previously approached the campus Student Wellness Centre (SWC) for counselling. Officers familiar with the case said he had been dealing with depression. A relative also confirmed that he had appeared distressed in recent times, calling the incident deeply unfortunate.
Police recovered a handwritten note from his hostel room stating that he was under depression and felt the world was not meant for him. The note has been sent for forensic examination to verify the handwriting.
Investigators noted that although the student lived in a two-storeyed hostel, the incident occurred from the terrace of an adjacent nine-storey building. His academic records indicated consistent performance, with grades of 6.7 and 7 out of 10 in recent semesters, and he had been submitting assignments on time.
The Powai police have registered an accidental death report and initiated a probe. After a post-mortem examination, the body was handed over to the family, who plan to take him to his native village.
IIT Bombay expressed grief over the incident and said faculty members have been encouraged to engage more closely with students. The institute has also invited psychiatrists to campus and highlighted that multiple mental health programmes and awareness sessions have been conducted recently.
If you or someone you know is struggling, seeking help from trusted individuals or professional mental health services can make a crucial difference.

21-year-old had sought counselling earlier; police begin investigation

IIT Bombay student dies by suicide on campus

21-year-old had sought counselling earlier; police begin investigation

February 5, 2026 | 16:42 IST