On July 21, 2025, Chandradip Pawar, a second-year electrical engineering student at IIT Kharagpur, tragically passed away in his hostel after a medical emergency. He had taken prescribed medicine after dinner, but the tablet became lodged in his throat, causing him to choke. He was rushed to the campus hospital, but doctors could not save him.
This heartbreaking event came just three days after the death of another student, Ritam Mondal, a fourth-year mechanical engineering student. Ritam was found dead in his hostel room on July 18 in what authorities suspect to be a suicide.
These two incidents have raised serious alarms on campus. In total, IIT Kharagpur has seen five unnatural student deaths in 2025:
January 12: Shaon Malik, third-year electrical engineering student, suicide
April 20: Aniket Walker, final-year ocean engineering student, found hanging
May 4: Mohammad Asif Qamar, third-year civil engineering student, found dead
July 18: Ritam Mondal, suspected suicide
July 21: Chandradip Pawar, accidental choking
Though Chandradip’s death appears to be accidental, the pattern of repeated student deaths has sparked concern about both physical safety and mental health on campus.
In response, the IIT Kharagpur administration has taken several steps:
Fact-Finding Committee: A committee has been set up to investigate the recent deaths and recommend preventive measures.
Mental Health Support: The campus has launched initiatives such as “Campus Mothers” — female staff acting as mentors for students. Helpline numbers have been posted on hostel doors. An AI-powered support program called SETU is also being developed to help students manage emotional and academic stress.
Counseling Services: Plans are in place to strengthen counseling services across campus, ensuring that students receive timely emotional and psychological support.
Both Chandradip’s and Ritam’s deaths are being investigated by local authorities. Post-mortem procedures are underway, and families have been informed.
Fellow students held a candlelight vigil in memory of Chandradip. Emotions ran high, with many expressing a growing fear and sadness over the repeated losses. Parents of previous victims have also spoken out, sharing that their children showed no signs of distress before their sudden deaths.
The Director of IIT Kharagpur has described the situation as deeply distressing. He acknowledged that while academic excellence is important, student well-being must be the top priority. He promised that changes are being made to ensure the campus is not only academically strong but also emotionally safe.
Despite these efforts, some students and mental health advocates feel more proactive measures are needed. They are calling for transparent mental health policies, better student outreach, and increased awareness programs to support those struggling in silence.
The repeated tragedies at IIT Kharagpur are a stark reminder of the intense pressures faced by students and the urgent need for stronger support systems. The campus is mourning, but also reflecting on how to protect its students more effectively in the future.