NIT Kurukshetra forms probe panel after series of student deaths, suicide attempt

The National Institute of Technology Kurukshetra has constituted a five-member committee to investigate a series of student deaths and a recent suicide attempt on campus, alongside broader measures to address rising concerns over student welfare .

The inquiry panel, headed by Dean of Student Welfare Lillie Dewan , will examine the circumstances of the incidents and interact with students, faculty, wardens, and staff . The institute has also formed three additional committees to strengthen student engagement, including daily hostel visits, a mentorship system assigning faculty to small groups, and dedicated hostel-level faculty oversight.

The steps follow multiple fatalities at National Institute of Technology Kurukshetra over the past two months. Among them was Diksha Dubey , whose death triggered campus protests and marked the fourth suspected suicide between February and April.

Shortly after her death, a first-year student allegedly attempted suicide by trying to jump from a hostel building but was rescued by fellow hostellers. She had reportedly posted a distress message on WhatsApp and is now stable under medical care.

Earlier cases involved students from Telangana, Nuh, and Sirsa, though authorities have not confirmed a common cause . Investigations are ongoing, including in Dubey’s case, where preliminary findings suggest she may have sent and later deleted a message before her death. In response, the institute has ordered a temporary campus closure and directed students to vacate hostels until further notice. Out of around 5,300 hostel residents , more than 2,500 have already left. Academic schedules will be revised and communicated later.

The administration has also replaced key hostel officials and strengthened counselling support systems , even as students raise concerns over a gap with authorities and the effectiveness of current measures.

Law enforcement has been deployed outside the campus, while protests by groups including the Indian Youth Congress have demanded accountability and improved safety mechanisms . Officials say the committees aim to restore normalcy and improve mental health support, though questions persist over systemic stress factors on campus.