A 19-year-old undergraduate student died by suicide after being found hanging inside an empty classroom at a college campus in Gujarat’s Gandhinagar district on Wednesday evening, police said. The incident has sent shockwaves across the campus and raised concerns about student mental health and safety.

Student reported missing from hostel

The deceased has been identified as Shivani Ahir, a first-year Bachelor of Arts student and a resident of Patan district. She was staying at the JM Chaudhary Girls’ Hostel in Sector-7, Gandhinagar. According to police, Shivani was reported missing from the hostel premises on Wednesday evening after she failed to return.

When hostel authorities could not locate her, the college administration and security staff immediately began searching the campus and informed her family. Her parents reached the college soon after, along with police personnel, and a wider search operation was launched.

Body found in empty classroom

After several hours, Shivani’s body was found hanging inside an unoccupied classroom on the campus. Police said CCTV footage reviewed during the investigation showed her entering the classroom alone. The footage reportedly captured her standing on a desk, tying a scarf to the ceiling fan, briefly checking her mobile phone, and then stepping back onto the desk before taking the extreme step.

Police register accidental death case

Confirming the incident, Divya Prakash Gohil, Deputy Superintendent of Police, Gandhinagar, said an accidental death case has been registered at the Gandhinagar Sector-7 Police Station. “Further investigation is underway. The body has been sent for post-mortem examination after the inquest,” he said.

College authorities expressed grief over the incident and said they are cooperating fully with the investigation. Counselling support is expected to be extended to students affected by the tragedy.

Call for mental health awareness

The incident has once again highlighted the importance of mental health awareness and accessible counselling services for students, particularly those living away from home for higher education.

Helplines:
Vandrevala Foundation for Mental Health: 9999666555 | [email protected]
TISS iCALL: 022-25521111 (Monday to Saturday, 8 am to 10 pm)