123 Kharagpur/Kolkata: Police on Monday questioned four IIT Kharagpur students, including hostel office-bearers, in connection with the death of a third-year electrical engineering student.
Shaon Malik (21) was found hanging from the iron grille of his hostel windows by his parents on Sunday. The institute has also formed a fact-finding team to probe the incident.
The preliminary postmortem report, according to police, did not find any signs of foul play. Malik's parents have not lodged any complaint either.
A forensic team, led by Chitrakar Sarkar, arrived at the campus on Monday and examined Azad Hall room 302. Police sources said Malik weighed around 80kg. Forensic experts tied a sandbag of equivalent weight to the window in the same manner in which the body was found. Sarkar, who emerged from the hostel room after half an hour, did not speak to reporters about the findings.
West Midnapore police superintendent Dhritiman Sarkar said: "We requested a forensic examination. An unnatural death case has been registered, and all aspects are being investigated."
According to police sources, two mobile phones and two laptops have been seized and data is being retrieved. Inquiries are being made about Malik's relationships with friends and family.
IIT Kharagpur director Amit Patra said: "We have formed a fact-finding team to probe the incident. Meetings have been held with relevant departments, and a dialogue with the students has been initiated. Today, I met the IIT Technology Students' Gymkhana representatives along with representatives from different halls of residence. We are trying to understand their problems and issues so that we can address their stress. Actions will be implemented based on the feedback, as I wish to carry on this dialogue with them."
After the postmortem at Midnapore Medical College Hospital on Sunday, Malik's body was taken to his ancestral home in West Midnapore's Khukurda village. District officials, including additional district magistrate (panchayat) Moumita Saha and information and culture officer Barun Mondal, were present. The body was taken to Kolkata later at night. Malik's uncle, Amal Malik, called him a calm, gentle boy, saying it was unimaginable that he had died by suicide.
An internal communique by students said: "The tragic loss of one of our fellow students of the IIT Kharagpur community has shaken us all, and we extend our heartfelt condolences to his family, friends, and loved ones during this challenging time. It is imperative for the campus community to come together and help one another through this tough period."