&w=3840&q=100)
‘Vomited, tried cleaning it up': Family questions IIT Delhi scholar's death on campus
A 25-year-old PhD student at IIT Delhi was found dead in his hostel room on Wednesday under mysterious circumstances. The family, while speaking exclusively to Firstpost, has ruled out suicide as the cause of death. read more
Ayush Singhal, a 25-year-old PhD student in Biomedical Engineering at IIT Delhi, was found dead in his hostel room on Wednesday. His family, who remember him as a bright and diligent scholar with aspirations to advance biomedical research after initially studying dentistry, do not believe he died by suicide and suspect other causes instead.
'He had returned from AIIMS, where he was working on a project, had his dinner, and went for a walk with a friend. On Wednesday, when we couldn't get in touch with him, we informed the university,' said his maternal uncle, Harish Garg.
STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD
He said, 'There were anti-vomiting medicines and a bottle of ORS near him. It looked like he had tried to clean up vomit beside his bed'.
Singhal's PhD research was based at IIT Delhi, with much of his lab work conducted at AIIMS. After the administration intervened, his room door was forcibly opened, and he was found unresponsive on his bed. There were no visible external injuries, but vomit on the floor suggested possible health complications.
'It could be food poisoning or a heart attack. We will know more after the post-mortem,' Garg said.
The family is awaiting the outcome of the post-mortem at Safdarjung Hospital. His mother fainted at the hospital due to the shock. Singhal is survived by his mother and younger sister; his father, a dentist, passed away in 2002.
IIT Delhi officials expressed deep grief over the incident and extended full support to the family. Dean of Student Affairs, Professor BK Panigrahi, is reported to have written an email to students, urging them to seek counselling if needed and emphasised the importance of supporting each other during this difficult time.
STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD
This death has drawn attention to a worrying pattern on the IIT Delhi campus, where several students have died under similar circumstances. Official records, cited in media reports, indicate that at least 12 students have died on campus between 2006 and 2024, with many cases involving isolation and delayed discovery of the body. The majority were male students, and the deaths span undergraduate to PhD levels, with some ruled suicides and others under investigation.
Current and former students describe a culture of intense academic pressure and social isolation, especially among PhD scholars, who often have small social circles confined mostly to their labs. Safety protocols limiting hostel room access have inadvertently reduced peer interaction, making it difficult to check on students who become unresponsive.
One PhD student, quoted by The Indian Express, said, 'The life of a PhD student is completely different in an IIT. We are in our own world and more isolated than the rest of the MTech or BTech students. Our social circles are small, and mostly our peers in the labs would know more about what is happening with us than the ones in the hostel or other friends on campus.'
STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD
Following up on previous demands, IIT Delhi had commissioned an external committee to examine the institutional environment related to student suicides. The report, submitted in August 2024, highlighted high academic pressure, toxic competitiveness, and also indicated caste and gender discrimination as key issues. However, the institute only publicly acknowledged these findings in April 2025 and is now working on a comprehensive action plan to improve student support structures.
The circumstances surrounding Ayush Singhal's death remain under investigation by the Delhi Police, with the post-mortem report awaited to clarify the cause. Family and friends have not raised suspicions of foul play, but the family's doubts about suicide persist.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
NDTV
39 minutes ago
- NDTV
"Two Seeds I Soak Every Night," AIIMS, Harvard-Trained Gastroenterologist Shares His Secret To Healthy Gut
Adding seeds to your diet is one of the simplest ways to boost your overall nutrient intake. Seeds are nutrient-dense and provide essential fatty acids, proteins, vitamins, and minerals. They play a significant role in promoting overall health and can enhance the digestive system and gut microbiota. Two common seeds that have gained popularity over the past few years are chia and basil seeds. These seeds look similar but have different nutrient profiles. However, adding both to your diet can offer a host of health benefits. In a recent Instagram video, Dr. Saurabh Sethi popularly known as the gut doctor, a gastroenterologist trained at AIIMS, Harvard, and Stanford Universities, shared reasons why he consumes soaked chia and basil seeds every morning. "Two seeds I soak every night and consume the next morning for my gut as a gastroenterologist," he said in the video. Keep reading to know the details. Benefits of consuming chia and basil seeds every morning Chia seeds: "They absorb up to 12 times their weight in water, forming a gel that supports regular bowel movements and digestion," Dr. Sethi mentioned. Chia seeds are a great source of omega-3 fatty acids, fibre, protein, and various micronutrients. The high fibre content helps regulate digestion and maintain gut health. As chia seeds absorb a good amount of water, they can help keep you hydrated. The fibre and protein can help you feel fuller for longer, helping you lose weight. Basil seeds: "Basil seeds also known as sabja seeds act as a natural coolant. They also help reduce bloating and are packed with fibre which act as food for our gut microbiota," Dr Sethi explained. Basil seeds are packed with antioxidants that help combat oxidative stress in the body. High fibre content helps with digestion, alleviates constipation and promotes a healthy gut. Basil seeds help maintain healthy blood sugar levels. They contain cooling properties and are commonly consumed during hot summer days. How much to consume The expert recommends soaking one tablespoon of each seed every night and consume the following morning. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Saurabh Sethi (@ Incorporating chia and basil seeds into your morning routine can provide sustained energy, improve digestion, and support metabolic health. Their high fibre and protein content can help stabilize blood sugar levels and reduce cravings throughout the day. Disclaimer: This content including advice provides generic information only. It is in no way a substitute for a qualified medical opinion. Always consult a specialist or your own doctor for more information. NDTV does not claim responsibility for this information.
Indian Express
4 hours ago
- Indian Express
NEET UG Results 2025: These are top MBBS colleges in India
NEET UG Results 2025: As NEET aspirants await NEET UG 2025 results, they must be pondering which are the best medical colleges in the country to pursue MBBS. If you are one of them and are confused, here is the list of the top medical colleges in India according to the Ministry of Education's National Institutional Ranking Framework. We have analysed trends from the last four years and have presented a conclusion at the end. The National Institutional Ranking Framework (NIRF) shows that the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), Delhi, is India's top medical college in the rankings. AIIMS Delhi has retained its first position for four consecutive years from the given time period of 2021 to 2024. NEET UG 2025 Analysis Following closely is the Post Graduate Institute of Medical Education and Research (PGIMER), Chandigarh, which continues to hold the second spot consistently during this period. Christian Medical College (CMC), Vellore, has also maintained its steady presence in third place across all four years. The fourth position is consistently occupied by the National Institute of Mental Health and Neuro Sciences (NIMHANS). However, the fifth rank has seen minor fluctuations. The Jawaharlal Institute of Postgraduate Medical Education and Research (JIPMER), Puducherry, secured this spot in 2023 and 2024, while Banaras Hindu University (BHU) took the position in 2022, and Sanjay Gandhi Postgraduate Institute of Medical Sciences (SGPGIMS), Lucknow, claimed it in 2021.
First Post
7 hours ago
- First Post
‘Vomited, tried cleaning it up': Family questions IIT Delhi scholar's death on campus
A 25-year-old PhD student at IIT Delhi was found dead in his hostel room on Wednesday under mysterious circumstances. The family, while speaking exclusively to Firstpost, has ruled out suicide as the cause of death. read more Ayush Singhal, a 25-year-old PhD student in Biomedical Engineering at IIT Delhi, was found dead in his hostel room on Wednesday. His family, who remember him as a bright and diligent scholar with aspirations to advance biomedical research after initially studying dentistry, do not believe he died by suicide and suspect other causes instead. 'He had returned from AIIMS, where he was working on a project, had his dinner, and went for a walk with a friend. On Wednesday, when we couldn't get in touch with him, we informed the university,' said his maternal uncle, Harish Garg. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD He said, 'There were anti-vomiting medicines and a bottle of ORS near him. It looked like he had tried to clean up vomit beside his bed'. Singhal's PhD research was based at IIT Delhi, with much of his lab work conducted at AIIMS. After the administration intervened, his room door was forcibly opened, and he was found unresponsive on his bed. There were no visible external injuries, but vomit on the floor suggested possible health complications. 'It could be food poisoning or a heart attack. We will know more after the post-mortem,' Garg said. The family is awaiting the outcome of the post-mortem at Safdarjung Hospital. His mother fainted at the hospital due to the shock. Singhal is survived by his mother and younger sister; his father, a dentist, passed away in 2002. IIT Delhi officials expressed deep grief over the incident and extended full support to the family. Dean of Student Affairs, Professor BK Panigrahi, is reported to have written an email to students, urging them to seek counselling if needed and emphasised the importance of supporting each other during this difficult time. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD This death has drawn attention to a worrying pattern on the IIT Delhi campus, where several students have died under similar circumstances. Official records, cited in media reports, indicate that at least 12 students have died on campus between 2006 and 2024, with many cases involving isolation and delayed discovery of the body. The majority were male students, and the deaths span undergraduate to PhD levels, with some ruled suicides and others under investigation. Current and former students describe a culture of intense academic pressure and social isolation, especially among PhD scholars, who often have small social circles confined mostly to their labs. Safety protocols limiting hostel room access have inadvertently reduced peer interaction, making it difficult to check on students who become unresponsive. One PhD student, quoted by The Indian Express, said, 'The life of a PhD student is completely different in an IIT. We are in our own world and more isolated than the rest of the MTech or BTech students. Our social circles are small, and mostly our peers in the labs would know more about what is happening with us than the ones in the hostel or other friends on campus.' STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Following up on previous demands, IIT Delhi had commissioned an external committee to examine the institutional environment related to student suicides. The report, submitted in August 2024, highlighted high academic pressure, toxic competitiveness, and also indicated caste and gender discrimination as key issues. However, the institute only publicly acknowledged these findings in April 2025 and is now working on a comprehensive action plan to improve student support structures. The circumstances surrounding Ayush Singhal's death remain under investigation by the Delhi Police, with the post-mortem report awaited to clarify the cause. Family and friends have not raised suspicions of foul play, but the family's doubts about suicide persist.
