Desk Correspondent , Chandigarh - A second-year BTech student in Artificial Intelligence and Data Science at the National Institute of Technology (NIT) Kurukshetra died by suicide on Thursday, April 17, 2026. The 20-year-old woman, identified as Diksha Dubey from Bihar’s Buxar district, was found hanging in her hostel room. This incident marks the third suspected suicide at the institute this month and the fourth in less than two months, raising serious concerns over student mental health and campus support systems.

The tragedy has triggered protests by students who alleged administrative negligence and delays in response. Following the incident, NIT Kurukshetra announced preparatory holidays from April 17 to May 4 and cancelled classes until April 22. Authorities have initiated measures including increased faculty-student interactions, counselling identification, and enhanced surveillance. A three-member review committee set up by the Union education ministry is also examining the broader issues of student support and institutional functioning.

Kurukshetra police conducted an autopsy at LNJP hospital in the presence of the family and handed over the body. The matter is under investigation. “An autopsy was conducted at LNJP hospital… and the body was handed over to the family. We are further investigating the matter,” said a police spokesperson.