First-Year B.Tech Student Found Dead at IIIT Ranchi Hostel; NHRC Takes Cognisance

October 11, 2026

Ranchi: A first-year B.Tech student was found dead in his hostel room at the Indian Institute of Information Technology (IIIT), Ranchi, in a suspected suicide case, officials said on Sunday, October 11. The incident has triggered protests on campus, with students alleging delays in medical assistance and negligence by the institute’s management. The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has taken cognisance of the matter.

The deceased has been identified as Aditya, a resident of Purnia in Bihar. Police are investigating the circumstances surrounding his death, including the cause of death and allegations regarding the response to the medical emergency.

Student Found Unconscious in Hostel Room

According to preliminary information, the incident occurred at around 10:45 pm on Saturday in the hostel located in the Khelagaon police station area of Ranchi.

When Aditya did not respond from inside his room, his roommate knocked on the door. After receiving no response, the door was eventually opened from outside, and the student was found unconscious inside.

Those present reportedly attempted to revive him through cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR). He was subsequently taken to Medica Hospital, where doctors declared him dead.

Students Allege Delay in Medical Assistance

Following the incident, students protested at the hostel, alleging that timely medical assistance was not provided. They also raised concerns about the availability of emergency facilities, including an ambulance and oxygen, at the institute.

According to allegations made by students, hostel caretaker Deepak Roshan left the scene with his colleague Akash. The on-duty doctor, Dr Kunj Bihari Khare, was also accused of being in an inebriated state and leaving the scene. Students further alleged that security personnel were under the influence of alcohol and that the student was taken to an ambulance around 45 minutes after he was found unconscious.

These allegations have not been independently established, and the circumstances surrounding the alleged delay in treatment remain under investigation.

Students said the death had intensified their concerns over basic facilities at the institute, claiming that an agitation over these issues was already underway. They alleged that timely access to an ambulance and oxygen could have made a difference, though this has not been medically established.

NHRC Takes Cognisance, Seeks Investigation

The National Human Rights Commission has taken cognisance of the incident. NHRC member Priyank Kanoongo announced the development in a post on X, stating that the Commission would examine the circumstances surrounding the student’s death.

“We are taking cognisance of the incident of the untimely death of a first-year student at IIIT Ranchi. The Commission will also investigate this matter regarding the delay in the student receiving treatment, administrative negligence, and the circumstances of the alleged suicide, also the cause of death,” Kanoongo said.

He added that the Commission would issue necessary directions to law enforcement authorities and investigating agencies, including the Ministry of Education.

Police Probe Underway

Ranchi Sadar Deputy Superintendent of Police Sanjeev Besra said the police were investigating the case. The cause of death and other circumstances surrounding the incident are being examined, and the student’s family has been informed.

The investigation is ongoing. Further details regarding the circumstances of the death, the allegations of delayed medical assistance and possible administrative negligence are awaited.