19-year-old ICT Mumbai student found dead in Matunga hostel room; police probe

A 19-year-old second-year chemical engineering student of the Institute of Chemical Technology (ICT), Mumbai, was found dead in his hostel room on Tuesday night. Police began an investigation as soon as they were informed. The student has been identified as Siddhesh Patil. He was from Nashik and lived on the institute's Matunga campus.

According to preliminary information, the incident took place at around 10:30 pm. The death comes at a time when students at the Indian Institute of Technology Bombay (IIT-Bombay) have been protesting since the death of second-year student Sahil Wakode in September.

Patil was studying chemical engineering in the second year at ICT, a public deemed-to-be university known for its programmes in chemical engineering, technology and pharmacy.

Classmates said Patil was undergoing treatment for depression and had recently been going through considerable emotional distress. On Tuesday evening, he reportedly contacted his doctor and spoke of suicidal thoughts.

After receiving the message, the doctor informed Patil's family. Relatives then contacted students living in the hostel and asked them to check on him.

By the time his friends reached his room, however, Patil was not responding. Fellow students reportedly attempted cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and then took him to Sion Hospital, where doctors declared him dead. The circumstances of his death are being investigated.

Matunga police have registered an accidental death report (ADR). Deputy Commissioner of Police Anurag Jain confirmed that further investigation is under way. Investigators are expected to record statements from Patil's family members, friends and others concerned to understand the circumstances of the death. Police are also awaiting the post-mortem results.

Patil's death has drawn attention against the backdrop of the protests at IIT Bombay. Wakode died on September 18. Students subsequently held demonstrations demanding an independent inquiry and improvements to the institute's mental health support system. Concerns were also raised about student well-being and the pressure of academic life.

Wakode's parents have alleged that their son faced caste-based discrimination and mental harassment at the institute. They have demanded action against Professor Suryanarayana Dula and IIT Bombay Director Shireesh Kedare. Dula has denied the allegations of caste-based harassment and said he followed the institute's prescribed procedure. Amid mounting pressure, he was removed as Dean of Administrative Affairs.

The case has also prompted calls for greater accountability and closer scrutiny of the support available to students struggling with academic and emotional difficulties. The deaths have renewed concerns about mental health awareness, timely intervention and access to support services in higher education institutions.