Siddhesh Patil, a 20‑year‑old second‑year chemical engineering student, was found dead in his dormitory room at the Institute of Chemical Technology in Matunga, Mumbai, at about 10:30 p.m. on Tuesday. He had hanged himself from a ceiling fan, according to the preliminary autopsy.
Earlier that week the student had been receiving psychiatric care for depression, a condition he had been battling for several days. He sent a text to his treating physician on Monday, warning that he was thinking of ending his life.
The physician relayed the message to Siddhesh’s parents and the hostel staff, who immediately checked on him, but he had already taken the fatal act before help could arrive.
Matunga Police have registered a case under Section 304A of the Indian Penal Code and are now conducting a formal investigation into the circumstances surrounding the death.
The incident follows a spate of student suicides at the Institute of Chemical Technology and the nearby IIT Bombay, where three students have died in the past six months, sparking protests and demands for stronger mental‑health support on campus.
Students and faculty are urged to reach out to helplines such as the Vandrevala Foundation at 999‑966‑6555 or TISS iCall at 022‑2552‑1111 for immediate assistance.