A final-year B.Tech student of IIT-Kanpur, Dheeraj Saini (22) from Haryana, was found dead in his hostel room on Wednesday evening. Police said other students had reported a foul smell coming from room number 123 in Hostel-1, after which the authorities broke open the door and discovered his body hanging from the ceiling fan with a rope.
Assistant Commissioner of Police (Kalyanpur) Ranjeet Kumar confirmed that no suicide note was recovered. The body has been sent for post-mortem, and the exact cause of death will be established after the medical examination. Police said further investigation would follow if any complaint is filed.
Saini, who hailed from Haryana, had recently told his sister that he planned to visit home in December and was hopeful of securing a job through campus placements by March. His father, Satish Saini, who runs a sweet shop, broke down upon hearing the news, saying he had worked tirelessly to educate his son.
Hostel-mates described him as quiet and reserved. Many assumed he was away on leave during the holidays and did not check on him until the foul smell raised an alarm. This incident has raised concerns once again about student stress and mental health on premier campuses.

Final-year B.Tech student Dheeraj Saini found dead in IIT-K hostel; probe underway

IIT-Kanpur Student Found Dead in Hostel Room

Final-year B.Tech student Dheeraj Saini found dead in IIT-K hostel; probe underway

October 2, 2025 | 16:53 IST