IIT Mandi PhD Student Dies by Suicide in Rented Room After Exam Results
A 24-year-old PhD student of IIT Mandi, identified as Gurpreet Singh, was found dead inside his rented accommodation in Kataula on Tuesday. Police said his family reported that he had been distressed after the results of his PhD comprehensive test were announced Monday. No suicide note or suspicious object was recovered, and a probe is underway.
A 24-year-old PhD student of the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT), Mandi, was found dead inside his rented accommodation at Kataula in Mandi district on Tuesday, September 1. The student, identified as Gurpreet Singh, was reportedly distressed after the results of his PhD comprehensive test were announced on Monday, according to his family.
The incident came to light after Singh's family and landlord became concerned when he did not answer repeated phone calls or open the door of his room, India Today reported. Police reached the accommodation after receiving information and, following several unsuccessful attempts to get a response, opened the room. Delhi: Teen Girl Dies by Suicide in Shahdara After Being Scolded for Returning Home Late.
Student Found Dead Inside Rented Accommodation
According to police, the room was locked from the inside when officers reached the spot. After opening the door, police found Singh, son of Satnam Singh and a resident of Dalhousie in Chamba district, dead inside the room. The incident was reported to the Kamand Police Post, following which a police team reached the accommodation and conducted an initial inspection.
Preliminary investigation revealed that Singh's PhD comprehensive examination results were announced at around 4.30 pm on Monday. According to his family, the result was not as expected, following which Singh found himself in a state of distress. He did not attend classes on Tuesday. Police are examining the circumstances surrounding the student's death, including events following the announcement of the examination results. Maharashtra: 19-Year-Old NEET Aspirant Dies by Suicide, Leaves Note Saying ‘Will Become Doctor in Next Life’.
A team from the Regional Forensic Science Laboratory (RFSL), Mandi, reached the incident site, inspected the room and collected necessary evidence. Police said no suicide note or suspicious object was recovered from the scene.
Statements of people in the surrounding area have also been recorded as part of the investigation. The absence of a note or suspicious items means the precise circumstances leading to Singh's death remain under investigation.
Police have initiated proceedings under Section 194 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS). The body was taken to the Zonal Hospital, Mandi, where a post-mortem examination was conducted. It was subsequently handed over to the family for the last rites.
Mandi Superintendent of Police Vinod Kumar said the actual cause of the student's death would be known only after the post-mortem report is received. He said police were investigating all aspects of the case.
Mandi SP Vinod Kumar said further investigation into the circumstances surrounding the death was under way. He said all relevant aspects of the case were being examined as part of the inquiry. Police are continuing to establish the sequence of events leading up to Singh's death. The investigation will also take into account forensic findings, witness statements and the post-mortem report.
Suicide Prevention and Mental Health Helpline Numbers:
Tele Manas (Ministry of Health) – 14416 or 1800 891 4416; NIMHANS – 080-46110007; Peak Mind – 080-456 87786; Vandrevala Foundation – 9999 666 555; Arpita Suicide Prevention Helpline – 080-23655557; iCALL – 022-25521111 and 9152987821; COOJ Mental Health Foundation (COOJ) – 8322252525.
(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Sep 06, 2026 12:06 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).
