BITS Pilani Goa Campus Witnesses Sixth Student Death in 15 Months, Committee Flags 'Suicide Contagion'
In a tragic incident that has sent shockwaves through the academic community, a 20-year-old student at BITS Pilani's Goa campus was found dead in her hostel room on Sunday night, with authorities suspecting suicide. This marks the sixth such death on the institute's campus over the past 15 months, raising urgent questions about student mental health and safety protocols.
Details of the Latest Incident and Police Investigation
The student, hailing from Karnataka and pursuing Electronics and Communication Engineering, was discovered in her hostel room around 10 pm, as reported by college authorities. A police team from South Goa promptly arrived at the scene to initiate an investigation into the circumstances surrounding her suspected suicide. Officers are currently examining potential reasons behind this heartbreaking event, which adds to a distressing pattern of fatalities at the prestigious institution.
Committee Report Highlights 'Suicide Contagion' Phenomenon
In response to previous suicide cases at the institute in September last year, Goa Chief Minister Pramod Sawant announced the formation of a district-level monitoring committee to conduct a thorough inquiry. This committee held meetings on September 5 and September 12, 2025, to delve into the causes behind these deaths.
According to sources familiar with the committee's findings, the report has pointed to 'suicide contagion' as a possible factor in the recent spate of cases. This phenomenon, where exposure to suicide or suicidal behavior influences others to engage in similar acts, is described as a 'copy-cat' effect that can trigger imitation among vulnerable individuals. A senior official, speaking anonymously, noted that the committee investigated five cases and observed this pattern, with only one instance where a victim's parent cited academic stress as the primary reason.
Government Data and Academic Stress Concerns
Contrasting with the committee's observations, information shared during last month's Assembly session revealed that the government attributed five student suicides at BITS Pilani Goa in 2024 and 2025 largely to academic stress during examination periods. The Home Department stated that all five unnatural deaths occurred during exam times, with four cases linked directly to 'stress over exams' and one to personal issues, including depression following a partner's suicide.
Measures Implemented and Political Reactions
Following recommendations from the district-level monitoring committee, college authorities have taken steps to address the crisis. These measures include:
- Streamlining academic content to reduce pressure
- Expanding counselling services with professional psychologists
- Establishing a 24x7 helpline for immediate support
- Scheduling regular sessions with faculty to address student concerns
- Providing weekly psychiatrist consultations
Despite these efforts, the Goa Pradesh Congress Committee (GPCC) has called for a judicial inquiry into the student deaths since December 2024. GPCC president Amit Patkar criticized the situation, stating, 'The tragic discovery of yet another student found dead...is a damning indictment of the total collapse of student safety, mental-health governance, and administrative responsibility in the state of Goa.'
A spokesperson for BITS Goa has not responded to requests for comment on the latest incident or the ongoing concerns. As the community grapples with this loss, the focus remains on enhancing mental health support and preventing further tragedies in educational institutions across India.
