Devika Pillai, a third-year student majoring in biotechnology from IIT Kharagpur, was found deceased in her hostel room. The 21-year-old's body was discovered hanging from the ceiling of the Sarojini Naidu/Indira Gandhi Hall premises, prompting an immediate response from campus security and medical teams upon its morning discovery on June 17, 2024.
Authorities have initiated an investigation to determine the circumstances surrounding Pillai's death, with initial reports indicating uncertainty about whether it was a case of suicide or involved external factors. A senior police officer conveyed to PTI the commencement of inquiries and the dispatch of her body to Kharagpur Sub-Divisional Hospital for a thorough post-mortem examination.
In an official statement, IIT Kharagpur expressed profound grief over the sudden loss of Devika Pillai, clarifying that she was indeed a third-year student, contrary to earlier misreporting. The institute highlighted her academic excellence and leadership role as her hostel's general secretary of social and cultural activities. Pillai was also actively engaged in a summer internship under the Department of Bioscience and Biotechnology, showcasing her dedication and promise in her field of study.
The institute assured its full cooperation with law enforcement authorities as they probe the incident. They underscored their commitment to supporting student well-being, emphasizing the availability of counselling and mental health services for students coping with emotional distress.
As the investigation unfolds, the IIT Kharagpur community mourns the loss of a talented student and offers condolences to Pillai's family and friends during this difficult time.