IISER Kolkata PhD scholar dies by suicide, names senior in ragging allegations
A third-year PhD scholar at the Indian Institute of Science Education and Research (IISER), Kolkata, died by suicide after allegedly facing prolonged ragging and harassment from a senior in his laboratory. Anamitra had accused a senior PhD student in his lab of constant harassment.
New Delhi: A third-year PhD scholar at the Indian Institute of Science Education and Research (IISER), Kolkata, died by suicide after allegedly facing prolonged ragging and harassment from a senior in his laboratory. The deceased, 25-year-old Anamitra Roy, a resident of Shyamnagar in North 24 Parganas, left a social media post before his death naming the accused. He also criticised the institute for inaction.
According to reports, Anamitra had accused a senior PhD student in his lab of constant harassment. He had first informed his lab supervisor and later lodged a formal complaint with the institute's anti-ragging cell. However, no action was reportedly taken. He was thus distressed.
Family alleges ragging and institutional neglect
In his last social media post, Anamitra appealed to the college to cancel the accused senior's PhD and had expressed frustration at the institution's failure to address his grievances. He also accused his supervisor of ignoring his repeated pleas for help.
On Thursday, Anamitra allegedly consumed medicines in his hostel room in an attempt to end his life. He was taken to AIIMS Kalyani but was declared dead the following morning. His sister claimed that ragging and mental harassment drove him to the extreme step.
Police have launched an investigation into the incident. IISER authorities have said that a committee will be formed to probe the allegations.
Recent student deaths highlight mental health crisis
Local councilor Sukesh Biswas described Anamitra as a "bright and cheerful" youth, adding, "He always greeted people with a smile. we never imagined something like this could happen."
This incident comes close on the heels of another incident at IIT Kharagpur, where the body of a fourth-year Mechanical Engineering student, Ritam Mondal, was found hanging in his hostel room at Rajendra Prasad Hall of residence. the 21-year-old's death marked the fourth case of unnatural death at the premier engineering institution in the past seven months.