Patna: A student at the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Patna has died after suffering an electric shock while playing cricket on campus, in what police have described as a tragic accident.
The deceased, Sadashivuni Harshit Patnaik, originally from Hyderabad in Telangana, had travelled from Mumbai to attend a farewell event organised by classmates. He was a fourth-year student of a 2022–27 dual-degree programme, having completed an initial three-year course at IIT Patna before moving to IIT Mumbai as part of the programme.
The incident occurred on Saturday morning on the grounds of the boys’ hostel in Bihta, on the outskirts of Patna. According to initial accounts, Patnaik came into contact with a live electric pole while attempting to field a cricket ball. He reportedly leaned against the structure and received a severe electric shock, causing him to collapse. He also sustained a head injury in the fall.
He was taken to hospital immediately, but was declared dead on arrival.
The incident triggered panic on campus, with students and staff gathering at the scene soon after. His classmates have expressed shock and grief over the sudden death, which occurred during what was meant to be a farewell gathering.
Police from the local station and a forensic team visited the site and have launched an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the accident, including the reported exposure of the electric pole.
