A tragic incident unfolded at Aligarh Muslim University (AMU) on Monday evening, when a 20-year-old female student of the Women’s Polytechnic took her own life in her hostel room while on a video call with her father, who is currently employed in Saudi Arabia. University officials confirmed the death on Tuesday and said that the circumstances surrounding the incident are being thoroughly investigated.

Incident details

According to AMU proctor Prof. Mohd Wasim Ali, the student, who was in her final year of diploma studies, had stayed on campus during the winter break and had not returned home. While the university reopened on Monday, her roommate had not yet arrived, leaving her alone in the hostel room at the time of the incident.

Prof. Ali said the student first spoke with her brother in Azamgarh earlier in the evening. Following that conversation, she initiated a video call with her father around 8 pm. During these calls, she reportedly expressed her intention to end her life. Her father and brother immediately tried to reach contacts in Aligarh to intervene.

Neighbours in the hostel reported hearing raised voices through the walls but assumed it was a private matter and did not knock. The student’s brother contacted a friend who lived approximately 1.5 kilometers from the campus. However, due to strict security protocols for women’s dormitories, the friend was initially denied entry. By the time university authorities were notified and managed to access her room, the student had already died.

Investigation and post-mortem

No suicide note has been recovered from the room. University officials have confirmed that a post-mortem examination was conducted on Tuesday to determine the cause of death. The exact trigger for the student’s suicide remains unclear at this stage.

AMU vice-chancellor Prof. Naima Khatoon visited the hostel along with senior officials to meet with students and hostel staff, providing support and addressing concerns following the incident. The student’s father is expected to arrive in Aligarh from Saudi Arabia in the coming days.

University response and support

Prof. Ali emphasized that an internal investigation is underway to examine the circumstances leading to the tragic event and to identify any preventive measures that could be implemented in the future. The university has assured students and parents that it will work to ensure the mental and emotional well-being of its community.

This incident has also highlighted the need for better mental health awareness and support systems on campuses. University authorities are urging students to seek help if they are experiencing emotional distress or suicidal thoughts.

Mental health helplines

Students and individuals seeking support are encouraged to reach out to professional mental health services. Several helplines are available across India:

• Aasra: 022 2754 6669
• Sneha India Foundation: +91 4424640050
• Sanjivini: 011-24311918
• Roshni Foundation (Secunderabad): 040-66202001, 040-66202000
• ONE LIFE: 78930 78930
• SEVA: 09441778290

Authorities and mental health experts stress the importance of prompt intervention and open communication when someone shows signs of distress. Support systems, counseling services, and helplines play a crucial role in preventing tragedies like this and providing assistance to vulnerable individuals.

The AMU community remains in shock as students, staff, and the student’s family process this sudden and heartbreaking loss. The university has urged all students to stay alert to the mental health of peers and to seek immediate help if needed, reinforcing the importance of awareness, support, and compassion within educational institutions.