BITS Pilani student allegedly dies by suicide in hostel room on campus

PANAJI: A 20-year-old student allegedly died by suicide in his hostel room at BITS Pilani campus in south Goa on Thursday, a police official said. "Rishi Nair was found dead in his hostel room at around 10.45 am. The door of his room was forced open by authorities after he did not respond to calls on his mobile phone.

He was lying motionless on his bed. The cause of death is being ascertained," the official said. It is the fifth such incident since December 2024.

Students Om Priyan Singh (December 2024), Atharv Desai (March 2025), Krishna Kasera (May 2025) and Kushagra Jain (August 2025) were found dead in their respective hostel rooms. Meanwhile, Chief Minister Pramod Sawant told reporters a committee has been formed under the collector to probe these incidents.

"Such incidents are unfortunate and should not reoccur. The state government will take further steps after receiving the report of the collector. The management of BITS Pilani, a private deemed university, is yet to issue a formal statement on the incident.

If you know someone – friend or family member – at risk of suicide, please reach out to them. Those in distress or having suicidal thoughts or tendencies could seek help and counselling by calling 9820466726 or visiting AASRA’s official website or can call iCALL on 9152987821. Here are some more helpline numbers of suicide prevention organisations that can offer emotional support to individuals and families.