A tragic incident was reported at the SVKM NMIMS Hyderabad campus in Jadcherla, where a first-year engineering student allegedly died by suicide inside his hostel room on Saturday, January 31. The incident has triggered protests by students, who are demanding accountability and justice for the deceased.
Student found dead in hostel room
The deceased has been identified as Ronak Raj, a 19-year-old student from Bihar, who was pursuing his first year of engineering at the institute. According to preliminary reports, he was found hanging from a ceiling fan inside his hostel room located within the campus premises.
He was rushed for medical assistance but was declared dead. Police have registered a case and initiated an investigation into the circumstances leading to the incident.
Alleged exam cheating accusation
Reports suggest that the student had recently been accused by college staff of being involved in cheating during the first-year semester examinations. Sources said Ronak was allegedly distressed and felt humiliated following the accusation.
While authorities have not officially confirmed the details surrounding the examination-related allegations, fellow students claim that the incident had caused him severe mental stress.
Student protests on campus
Following the incident, student unions and classmates gathered outside the campus to stage protests. They demanded justice for the student’s family and called for a transparent inquiry into the role of institutional procedures and staff actions.
Protesting students alleged that academic pressure and the handling of the accusation may have contributed to the student’s mental distress.
Investigation underway
Police said they are examining all aspects of the case, including academic records, hostel circumstances and interactions prior to the incident. Statements from faculty members, students and hostel authorities are being recorded.
The institute is yet to issue a detailed official statement. The incident has once again brought focus on student mental health, academic pressure and the need for sensitive handling of disciplinary matters in educational institutions.