IIIT Basar suicides: Governor Tamilisai demands report within 48 hrs

Hyderabad: The recent suicides of girl students at RGUKT IIIT Basar have sent shockwaves across the state. The news has prompted the Governor of Telangana, Dr Tamilisai Soundararajan to express deep concern and demand immediate action against the persons involved.

The governor called upon the RGUKT IIIT Basar’s vice chancellor to intervene promptly and address the underlying issues that have tragically led to these extreme steps.

The governor appealed to the students, urging them not to resort to extreme measures and to prepare to confront the challenges of pursuing higher education with a brave heart.

Taking the matter seriously, the governor ordered a detailed report within 48 hours, outlining the measures being implemented by the university administration to prevent such unfortunate incidents in the future.

Tragic deaths

The IIIT-Basar campus has been shaken by the tragic suicides of two young students, Likhita Goud, and Deepika. Likhita, a 16-year-old pre-university course student, fell to her death from the fourth floor of the girls’ hostel building. Deepika, also 16 years of age, was found hanging in a washroom on the campus.

No suicide note was found in either case, leaving authorities to speculate about the underlying reasons behind these tragic events.

Likhita was in the midst of her first-year final exams when the tragedy occurred. Authorities are investigating the circumstances surrounding her fall, while not ruling out an accidental death. Deepika’s suicide is being viewed as a reaction to failure in her studies, despite counselling efforts provided to her.

Experts’ opinion

Dr. Pragya Rashmi, a consultant psychologist based in Hyderabad, said that the presence of a mental health expert does not guarantee the prevention of crises or indicate incompetence, just as a cardiologist cannot prevent heart attacks.

She said, “Hiring mental health professionals is often a checklist activity for organisations with limited budgets, focusing on logistics rather than the number of students or clients. Confidentiality and the freedom given to the mental health professional to conduct effective sessions are crucial.”

Discussing the complex issue of suicide, Dr. Pragya stresses that it cannot be attributed to a single cause. “Suicide is a complex issue with multiple factors involved, and it is not possible to attribute it to a single cause. Many tend to oversimplify suicide, but each case is unique, and different triggers may affect individuals differently,” she said.

She added, “It is important to understand that while some individuals may resort to suicide, others may find alternative coping mechanisms or seek support. Therefore, suicide cannot be attributed to a single cause like a breakup or unemployment.”

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