BENGALURU: The Indian Institute of Science (IISc) has reported deaths of two researchers — both on Tuesday — on campus, including one death by suicide.
While Randhir Kumar, 36, a PhD fellow, was found hanging in his hostel room, Rahul Prathap, 31, an MTech student, collapsed while practising football at around 7.30pm.
“One of the students, pursuing his PhD in the Centre for Nano Science and Engineering (CeNSE), died by suicide. The other student, pursuing his MTech from the Department of Mechanical Engineering, collapsed and was found unresponsive while playing football at the Gymkhana ground,”an IISc statement read.
After receiving first aid treatment at the IISc Health Centre, he (Prathap) was immediately taken to MS Ramaiah Hospital where he was declared dead, IISc added.
K Jayraj, assistant registrar (security, hostels), told TOI: “In case of Randhir, his friends could not reach him in the evening yesterday (Tuesday) and since he did not open his room’s door, they informed the security who found him hanging. The police were informed immediately and they are investigating the matter.”
The CeNSE website, which has photographs of all the students had basic details such as their educational background and their present advisors/guides, has removed all details of Kumar. The head of the department did not respond to TOI immediately.
“We express our heartfelt condolences to the family and friends of the students. We strongly urge IISc community members to reach out to and seek help from our facilities and wellness resources,” the institute’s statement read.
TOI