An assistant professor of Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Kharagpur was found dead under unnatural circumstances inside his residential quarter on campus, triggering concern among the institute’s academic community.
The deceased has been identified as Deepak Reddy Pullaguram, 36, who was associated with the Department of Electrical Engineering. His body was discovered hanging inside his allotted residence, where he lived alone.
According to police sources, the incident came to light around 12:30 pm on Wednesday when security personnel noticed something unusual at the quarter and alerted authorities. A team from the Hijli police outpost, under Kharagpur Town Police Station jurisdiction, reached the spot, forced open the door, and recovered the body.
Pullaguram was immediately taken to B.C. Roy Hospital, where doctors declared him brought dead.
Originally from Hyderabad, the young faculty member’s sudden death has cast a pall of gloom over the campus, with colleagues and students expressing shock over the incident.
Police have informed the deceased’s family and sealed the quarter as part of the investigation. Officials said a detailed probe has been initiated to determine whether the death was a case of suicide or if other factors were involved. Investigators are examining possible personal, family, or mental health-related issues, though no confirmation has been made so far. It is also unclear whether any suicide note was recovered from the scene.
Speaking on the incident, additional superintendent of police Bushra Bano said, “The hanging body of an IIT Kharagpur professor has been recovered. An investigation has been initiated to ascertain the exact cause and circumstances surrounding this death.”
The incident has once again brought focus on a series of unnatural deaths reported on the IIT Kharagpur campus in recent months, many of which involved students and had sparked widespread concern and debate. The latest case involving a faculty member has further intensified scrutiny over mental health and support systems within the institution.
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