A second-year BA student at Aligarh Muslim University (AMU) allegedly died by suicide in her hostel room. The incident occurred at the Abdullah Women’s College, located within the AMU campus. College staff discovered the student’s body on Saturday, October 26 , after her room remained unopened for hours.
AMU Proctor Vasim Ali confirmed the student resided in the Mumtaz hostel. Hailing from the Agvanpur area of Moradabad, the student was found hanging inside her room. The hostel warden informed the university administration after observing the room had not opened since Saturday morning. Following this, college staff broke open the door and located the student.
Investigations conducted by police and the AMU administration are underway to ascertain the exact reasons behind the incident. Initial findings, detailed in media reports, indicate the student was alone in her room. Her roommate had reportedly traveled home for the Diwali holidays. The deceased student’s brother, who also studies law at AMU, last spoke with her by phone around 7 PM on October 24 . No communication had occurred with her since that call.
Students' Union Demands Mental Health Support
Mohd Salman Imtiaz, the outgoing president of the AMU Students’ Union, characterized the student’s death as a “tragic wake-up call” for the campus community. In response to the incident, the union announced the immediate launch of a mental health awareness campaign. This campaign targets students across all AMU hostels, aiming to provide critical support and resources.
Imtiaz asserted that the Students’ Union has repeatedly sought to implement mental health programs within the university. He claimed the AMU administration has consistently disregarded these proposals. Emphasizing the urgency, Imtiaz stated the union would not wait for further administrative approval, directly asking students to join their new mental health mission.
He further articulated the union’s position, stating the incident is a "deeply painful and alarming" event. Imtiaz called for "urgent reflection and collective action" across the university. He underlined the critical importance of student well-being, declaring, "Mental health is not a luxury; it’s a lifeline."
Broader Concerns Over Student Mental Health
This incident reflects growing national concerns regarding student mental health challenges. The Supreme Court recently expressed "thorough disappointment" that 57,000 educational institutes failed to participate in a crucial survey on student suicides. The court warned of strict action, highlighting the widespread issue and the lack of comprehensive data to address it effectively.
Seeking Help and Support
Students or young adults experiencing distress, suicidal thoughts, or mental health challenges are urged to seek immediate help. Confidential support and counseling are available through various organizations:
- AASRA: Call 9820466726 or visitaasra.info.
- iCALL: Call 9152987821 .
- Additional suicide prevention helplines offering emotional support are available online.