Patna: A BTech student of NIT Patna, Prashant Pal, died by suicide near a railway track late on Saturday night, according to a statement issued by the institute. The 6th semester Computer Science student was a resident of Shahjahanpur, Uttar Pradesh.
A suicide note was recovered from his hostel room in which no one was held responsible. The institute confirmed that the student had been suffering from a health condition, which had reportedly led to severe stress and depression.
In a press release issued on Sunday, NIT Patna said: “It is informed with great sadness that Prashant Pal… committed suicide near the railway track last night. A note has been found in which he has not blamed anyone for this step. The student was facing mental health challenges related to an illness.”
The institution expressed condolences to the bereaved family and said arrangements were being made to transport the student’s body to his hometown. “We are in constant touch with the family and are providing all possible assistance,” the statement added.
This is the fourth case of student suicide in the last seven months across higher education institutions in Patna. Earlier this year, on February 25, Rahul Lawari, a student of IIT Bihta, also died by suicide. Raunit, a BCA student from BET Patna Campus, ended his life on January 27. In 2024, Pallavi Reddy, a student from NIT Bihta Campus, died by suicide on September 20.
The spate of suicides has raised concerns about student mental health on Bihar campuses, prompting calls for stronger institutional support systems and counselling services.
(If you are having suicidal thoughts, or are worried about a friend or need emotional support, someone is always there to listen. Call Sneha Foundation – 04424640050, Tele Manas – 14416 (available 24×7) or iCall, the Tata Institute of Social Sciences’ helpline – 02225521111, which is available Monday to Saturday from 8 am to 10 pm.)
