IIT Kanpur Student Found Dead in Hostel Room, ‘Sorry Everyone’ Note Found

A tragic incident has shaken the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Kanpur after a final-year BTech student was found dead in his hostel room during the ongoing winter vacation. The incident, suspected to be a case of suicide, has once again brought student mental health at premier educational institutions into sharp focus.

The deceased student has been identified as Jai Singh Meena, 26, a fourth-year undergraduate enrolled in the Department of Biological Sciences and Bioengineering. A native of Ajmer in Rajasthan, he was residing in Room 148 of E Block at one of the campus hostels. The institute was largely empty at the time as winter vacation had begun on December 28, and most students had left for their hometowns.

Room Locked From Inside, Body Discovered After Door Forced Open

According to police officials, the student’s room was found locked from the inside on Monday morning. When repeated attempts to contact him failed, authorities were alerted. After breaking open the door, police discovered Meena hanging from a ceiling fixture using a cloth strip torn from bedding material.

Preliminary examination of the room revealed signs that the student may have attempted self-harm earlier. A knife and blood stains were reportedly found at the scene, suggesting that he may have tried to injure himself before taking the extreme step. Officials said the injuries did not appear fatal, indicating that hanging was the primary cause of death. The body has been sent for postmortem examination to confirm the exact cause.

Notebook Entry Found, No Formal Suicide Note

While no formal suicide note was recovered from the room, investigators found a brief but disturbing message written in the student’s notebook. The words “Sorry everyone” were noted on one of the pages. Police have taken the notebook into custody and are examining whether the entry was connected to the incident.

Authorities stated that while early findings point toward suicide, all aspects are being investigated to rule out any other possibility. The student’s electronic devices, academic records and recent interactions are also being reviewed as part of the probe.

Institute Informs Family, Campus Mourns Loss

The IIT Kanpur administration has informed the student’s family, who are expected to arrive on campus soon. In an official statement, the institute expressed deep sorrow over the loss and conveyed condolences to the bereaved family. No public briefing was held, but the administration said it was cooperating fully with the investigation.

The incident occurred on the same day alumni of the institute had announced a major financial contribution, casting a sombre shadow over what was meant to be a celebratory moment for the campus.

Renewed Concerns Over Student Mental Health

This is the third reported student suicide at IIT Kanpur in 2025, following similar incidents earlier in the year. Over the past decade, multiple student deaths by suicide have been recorded at the institute, raising persistent concerns despite the availability of counselling services and support mechanisms.

Mental health experts have repeatedly stressed the need for stronger peer support systems, early intervention, and reduced academic and social pressure within elite institutions.

The investigation is ongoing, and officials have urged students to seek help and support during times of distress.