Madhepura: The body of a second-year civil engineering student was found in a girls’ hostel at BP Mandal Engineering College in Bihar’s Madhepura district on Monday, in what police have described as a “mysterious” death. The student, who was from Muzaffarpur district, was living in the college hostel at the time.
According to students and college officials, the incident came to light when the door to the student’s room remained closed for several hours. Hostel residents reportedly knocked repeatedly but received no response, prompting them to alert the hostel administration. When the room was opened in the presence of officials, the student was found dead inside.
Police said the door appeared to have been locked from the inside, adding to the uncertainty surrounding the circumstances of her death. It is not yet clear whether the case involves suicide, an accident or any other cause.
Officers from Singheshwar police station reached the campus soon after being informed and took the body into custody. “The exact cause of death cannot be determined at this stage,” a police official said. “We are waiting for the post-mortem report, which will provide more clarity.”
The student’s room has been sealed as part of the investigation. Police are examining her mobile phone, bag, diary and other personal belongings, and have questioned classmates and hostel residents. No firm leads have emerged from the initial inquiries.
A team from the Forensic Science Laboratory (FSL) has also visited the hostel to collect evidence, including fingerprints and details about the condition of the room. Investigators said the forensic findings would play a key role in establishing how the death occurred.
The student’s family has been informed and is expected to arrive in Madhepura before the post-mortem examination is conducted. Fellow students have appealed to the authorities to ensure that the procedure is carried out in the presence of the family, saying this would help maintain transparency.
Classmates described the student as academically strong and disciplined, though some said she had appeared under stress in recent days. College officials said counselling sessions would be arranged for students in the wake of the incident.
The death has also raised questions about security and student welfare in hostels across the district. The college administration said security measures and surveillance would be reviewed and strengthened. Police have urged anyone with relevant information to come forward.
The campus remains subdued, with students and staff expressing shock and grief as investigations continue.
