Overview

• A fourth student suicide in 10 months at IIT Kharagpur has heightened scrutiny of the institute’s mental health support systems.
• Mohammad Asif Qamar, a third-year civil engineering student, was found dead in his hostel room on May 4, with police investigating it as a suspected suicide.
• The acting director of IIT Kharagpur confirmed that a committee is being formed to analyze systemic issues and recommend improvements for student well-being.
• The committee's terms of reference and membership will be announced within the next two to three days, according to the acting director.
• Recent measures include the introduction of barcodes on hostel room doors to provide students with immediate access to mental health counselling.