Kolkata: An assistant professor at the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Kharagpur was found dead in his campus residence on Wednesday, with police suspecting it to be a case of suicide. The incident occurred at the institute’s residential quarters in West Midnapore district of West Bengal.

The deceased has been identified as Deepak Reddy Pullaguram (36), an assistant professor in the Department of Electrical Engineering. Originally from Hyderabad, he was residing in the institute’s staff quarters.

Professor Found Hanging in Campus Quarters

According to police, Deepak was reportedly not responding to calls since Wednesday morning, prompting the institute authorities to alert the police. Around 12:30 p.m., personnel from the Hijli police outpost reached the residence and entered the house with the help of security staff.

The professor was found hanging inside his room. He was immediately taken to B.C. Roy Hospital within the IIT campus, where doctors declared him dead.

Police Launch Investigation

Police have sealed the residence and launched an investigation to determine the exact cause of death. Officials are examining whether it was a case of suicide or if any other circumstances were involved.

Investigators are questioning security personnel, colleagues and residents of the campus quarters. They are also looking into the professor’s personal and professional life. It is yet to be confirmed whether any suicide note was recovered.

West Midnapore Superintendent of Police Papiya Sultana said the body would be sent for post-mortem examination and that the circumstances surrounding the death are being investigated.

No Official Statement from IIT Kharagpur

The institute had not issued an official statement on the incident till the filing of the report.

Sources at IIT Kharagpur said that while the campus has witnessed cases involving student suicides in recent years, the death of a faculty member on campus is unprecedented.