A second-year civil engineering student at the Indian Institute of Technology Bombay (IIT Bombay) died by suicide early February 4. Police confirmed the incident. The student has been identified as Naman Aggarwal of hotel block 4 (H4).
Student Anger Directed at Administration
The death has sparked student protests and criticism directed at the IIT Bombay administration. Students expressed concerns on the institute’s subreddit, citing administrative decisions and hostel issues as contributing factors to mental distress on campus.
Students allege that the administration prioritizes public relations over addressing student concerns. Posts indicate a belief that the administration avoids responsibility. They claim that while events and therapy experts are organized, genuine student issues are ignored.
Hostel Shift Disruptions Cited
Aggarwal’s death highlights ongoing student grievances regarding hostel shifts. Students reported being moved mid-semester. They cited inadequate facilities in the new accommodations, including issues with internet connectivity, cleanliness, and mess services.
One Reddit user reported a lack of consultation for hostel changes during semester exams. This includes a poll in a discussion group that was reportedly not discussed. Another user stated that therapeutic sessions attended were not helpful.
IIT Bombay Statement
IIT Bombay issued a statement expressing shock and sorrow over the student’s death. The institute extended condolences to Aggarwal’s family and friends. The statement described the incident as an untimely and unfortunate end to a promising career.
Broader Context: Supreme Court Task Force on Student Mental Health
The incident occurs against a backdrop of national concern over student mental health. In March 2025, the Supreme Court established a National Task Force (NTF) on Mental Health of Students and Prevention of Suicides in Higher Education Institutes.
The NTF surveyed over 1.6 million students nationwide. Its report revealed that approximately 65% of surveyed institutions lacked access to mental health professionals. Nearly three-quarters had no full-time counselors.
On January 16, 2026, the Supreme Court issued directives to higher education institutions. These mandate proactive steps to prevent suicides. Institutions must not remove students from hostels or deny them exams due to delayed scholarships. All unnatural deaths must be reported to police, regardless of location or study mode.
Recent IIT Suicides
IIT Bombay’s incident follows other recent student deaths at IIT campuses. Last month, a PhD student at IIT Kanpur died by suicide after allegedly jumping from a building. IIT Kanpur also recorded the death of a final-year BTech student found dead in his hostel room.