India News

IIT Ropar: Dalit student from Telangana dies by suicide, students learn of his death a week after he consumed poison

Published

1 year ago

March 25, 2025

vikram

By Vikram Kilpady

A Dalit student at IIT Ropar, who consumed poison in his hostel room two weeks ago, died last Saturday in Chandigarh’s PGIMER.

The student, Marimesi Arun, hailed from Telangana and was in his fourth year studying Metallurgical and Materials Engineering. He would have graduated in barely three months.

A Hindi news report in the Jagran quoted unnamed sources saying Arun died by suicide owing to constant academic performance pressure and placement anxiety. The report added the news of his death broke in the IIT campus only this Monday, after a message was circulated for organising a condolence meeting.

Barring this report and the initial Jagran story, no news outlet has covered the incident, leave alone mentioning it in English media. The Jagran report added no official was willing to come on record about it. The Department of Metallurgical and Materials Engineering that Arun was studying in is said to have the most stringent grading system. Though Arun came through the preparatory batch for admission to the course and was given additional study for further assistance, the fear of not landing a placement has been named as a possible reason for his ending his life.

An IIT Ropar faculty member told APNLive.com on condition of anonymity that the condolence meeting was held at 12.30pm on Monday only after the deceased student’s body was sent with his parents to his hometown near Hyderabad, Telangana.

“Arun was doing poorly. His CGP was 5-point something out of 10. He had undergone the one-year preparatory course in English, Mathematics and Physics for students from marginalized and deprived backgrounds,” the faculty member said. He added that IIT Ropar authorities have downplayed the matter ever since Arun consumed poison and are now trying to hush it up.

Further, the authorities told Jagran that Arun was beset by personal problems and that academic pressure was not the reason why he chose death by suicide.

The faculty member said, “He was struggling against the toxic caste system prevalent in IITs. It is obviously why he didn’t get help to improve his scores. Nobody will speak the truth.”

“There was also a note he wrote in Telugu. Nobody has access. I am not sure whether his parents saw it. May be, it’s with the authorities. That letter will bring clarity,” the faculty member said.

The first news of Arun’s suicide, however, was posted on Reddit on March 19 under the thread Btechtards by an IIT Ropar student. It noted the pressure Arun was under and also that he had attempted suicide six months ago as well. The post said he was not offered the support that should have been provided. The post added both incidents were covered up by the administration.

Here’s the full Reddit post: “We recently got a message in one our groups that was promptly deleted, informing us of a suicide attempt by a final year student from Meta dept. The great thing? The attempt happened on Friday and we just got to know about it yesterday

“The student was under pressure due to acads and didn’t got placed and decided to take the major step. The student also allegedly took to such step 6 months before as well and was not offered the support that should have been provided. Both of these attempts was well covered up and hidden and by the administration.

“The acad pressure has been mounting up on various students and admin always bats an eye on such topics. The student is currently admitted in hospital. Mental health has been on a declining path in every clg around us nowadays.”

Comments on this post note Arun’s death after news broke in the campus.

If one goes by the Reddit post, Arun consumed poison on Holi, March 14. This was also the day a fire led to the discovery of large sums of cash in a Delhi bungalow. The story itself came to light later but is now all over the press and has breaking news coverage even after ten days. But Marimesi Arun, like other Dalit youngsters who die by their own hand in India’s IITs, remains unmourned.

The fact that deaths by suicide of Dalit IIT students receive barely any media attention is borne out by yesterday’s Supreme Court order directing the Delhi Police to register an FIR some two years after two Dalit students killed themselves at IIT Delhi.

B.Tech student Ayush Ashna was found hanging in his hostel room on 9 July, 2023. Within two months, B.Tech student Anil Kumar of Uttar Pradesh’s Banda district was found dead in his hostel room on September 1, 2023. The parents of the students had said the police did not register an FIR, although the suicides resulted from caste discrimination by IIT faculty and staff.

The government told the Lok Sabha in March 2023 that 33 IIT students had committed suicide in the last five years due to academic stress, family reasons, personal reasons and causes arising from mental health.

Up Next

Gaza sees largest anti-Hamas protest amid ongoing humanitarian crisis

Don't Miss

The Batman sequel delayed till 2027, confirms genre change, new title in works

India News

IPS Officer Nupur Prasad gets Medal for Meritorious Service after Sushant Singh Rajput probe

IPS officer Nupur Prasad, who led the CBI investigation into Sushant Singh Rajput’s death, has been selected for the Medal for Meritorious Service this year.

Published

8 hours ago

August 15, 2026

APNLive Desk

IPS officer Nupur Prasad, who led the CBI investigation into actor Sushant Singh Rajput’s death, has been recognised with the Medal for Meritorious Service (MSM) this year.

A 2007-batch AGMUT cadre officer, Ms Prasad recently returned to the Delhi Police after completing her tenure with the CBI. She is currently serving as Joint Commissioner of Police in the Economic Offences Wing (EOW), where she oversees investigations involving financial and economic crimes.

The award is part of this year’s recognition for police personnel for distinguished and meritorious service. Such honours recognise contributions in areas including investigation, crime prevention, public service, law and order and administration.

Nupur Prasad’s role in Sushant Singh Rajput case

Ms Prasad came into national focus during the CBI investigation into the death of Sushant Singh Rajput, who was found dead at his Mumbai residence on June 14, 2020.

The case was transferred to the CBI in August 2020 following a complaint by the actor’s family and a legal dispute over jurisdiction.

During her tenure with the agency, Ms Prasad supervised key aspects of the investigation, including the examination of witness statements, forensic evidence and medical records.

In 2025, the CBI filed closure reports, saying its investigation found no evidence of foul play, abetment to suicide or criminal conspiracy in the actor’s death.

Career across Delhi Police, CBI

Ms Prasad has served in several positions during her career, including assignments in the Delhi Police, CBI, Arunachal Pradesh and West Bengal.

Before joining the CBI, she held senior positions in the Delhi Police and became the first Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP) of Shahdara. During her tenure, she worked on establishing the district’s policing framework following its creation.

She also led operations targeting drug networks and illegal gambling activities while focusing on crime-prevention measures.

Later, as DCP of North Delhi, she oversaw security arrangements for major events, including Independence Day celebrations at the Red Fort and Delhi University elections.

Community-focused policing initiatives

Beyond investigations, Ms Prasad has been associated with community-focused programmes involving women’s self-defence, youth development, cyber safety and drug de-addiction.

During her CBI tenure, she was also associated with several prominent investigations. Media reports have linked her to cases concerning businessman Vijay Mallya and the AgustaWestland helicopter deal.

Current role in Delhi Police

After completing her assignment with the CBI, Ms Prasad returned to the Delhi Police and took charge as Joint Commissioner of Police in the Economic Offences Wing.

The latest recognition adds to her career spanning investigations, policing and public service across several challenging assignments.

India News

Kharge, Rahul Gandhi skip Independence Day event for 2nd straight year

Congress chief Mallikarjun Kharge and Rahul Gandhi skipped the 80th Independence Day celebrations at the Red Fort for the second consecutive year.

Published

8 hours ago

August 15, 2026

APNLive Desk

Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge and Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi skipped the 80th Independence Day celebrations at Delhi’s Red Fort for the second consecutive year.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi led the Independence Day celebrations at the historic venue on Saturday.

The absence of the two senior Congress leaders comes amid strained relations between the ruling party and the Opposition, which further deteriorated during the Monsoon Session of Parliament that concluded on Thursday.

2024 seating controversy

Rahul Gandhi had attended the Independence Day celebrations in 2024 but his seating arrangement triggered a controversy. The Congress leader, who holds the status of a Cabinet minister as Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha, was seated in the second-last row during the ceremony at the Red Fort.

The Opposition had criticised the seating arrangement, calling it an insult to the people. The Defence Ministry, which organised the event, said the arrangement had been modified to accommodate Olympians at the venue.

According to protocol, the Leader of the Opposition is seated in the front row during ceremonial events.

Opposition-ruling party tensions

Relations between the government and the Opposition remained tense during the Monsoon Session, which ended on Thursday.

The session saw repeated clashes between the two sides, with both the Opposition and the ruling party blaming each other for the low productivity of Parliament.

The session began on July 20, with students marching towards Parliament on the first day. Twelve bills were passed during the session, while detailed discussion took place on only one legislation, concerning paper leaks.

The Congress, along with the Trinamool Congress and Samajwadi Party, also boycotted the customary tea party hosted by Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla after the House was adjourned sine die.

India News

PM Modi’s Saptadhara Vision: 7 streams driving India’s next growth phase

PM Modi outlined “Shakti Ki Saptadhara”, identifying seven streams including manufacturing, farming, technology, defence, green energy and soft power.

Published

8 hours ago

August 15, 2026

APNLive Desk

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, in his Independence Day address from the Red Fort on Saturday, outlined “Shakti Ki Saptadhara”, describing seven key streams that he said can drive India’s next phase of growth and strengthen its journey towards self-reliance and development.

The seven streams identified by the Prime Minister are manufacturing, farming, technology, Gatishakti, Raksha Shakti, green and blue economy, and soft power.

Calling on the country to focus on these areas, PM Modi said the seven streams represent India’s strength and can help the country become more self-reliant.

Manufacturing as the engine of growth

PM Modi called manufacturing the first stream of Saptadhara and stressed the need to significantly strengthen the sector.

He said India needs to produce both components and complete products and should emerge as a key destination in global supply chains.

The Prime Minister highlighted cost, quality and scale as important factors for Indian manufacturers to compete globally. He also stressed the importance of attractive packaging and precision in manufacturing.

Farming and food processing

Agriculture and food processing were identified as the second stream.

PM Modi said global markets are increasingly accessible to Indian farmers and called for greater efforts to take agricultural products from farms to international markets.

He highlighted traditional foods, millets, spices, fruits and vegetables, saying these products should be developed into global brands.

Technology and innovation

Technology and innovation form the third stream of Saptadhara, according to PM Modi.

He highlighted areas such as data centres, robotics and emerging technologies, saying India should aim to become a hub for these sectors.

Referring to the country’s experience with UPI and Digital Public Infrastructure, PM Modi said India has already demonstrated its technological capabilities and must now take the next leap in next-generation communication technology.

He also spoke about the goal of Made-in-India 6G reaching across the country.

Gatishakti and faster connectivity

The fourth stream is Gatishakti, with the Prime Minister stressing the importance of speed and connectivity for India’s growth.

PM Modi called for greater emphasis on roads and expressways to support businesses and said the country needs seamless, high-speed connectivity.

He also highlighted high-speed rail connectivity between cities and port-led development as areas requiring greater focus.

Raksha Shakti and self-reliant defence

Defence is the fifth stream of Saptadhara.

PM Modi called for greater self-reliance in defence manufacturing and highlighted the need to develop advanced technologies in the sector.

He particularly stressed the importance of drone and counter-drone technology, saying India needs to invest in these areas.

The Prime Minister also said India should move beyond being a market for defence equipment and work towards becoming a global supplier by developing next-generation defence technologies.

Green and blue economy

Green energy forms the sixth stream of Saptadhara.

PM Modi called for greater innovation in green energy and said India should aim for global leadership in green hydrogen, renewable energy and energy storage while continuing to contribute solutions to global challenges.

He also highlighted opportunities in the Blue Economy, particularly in fisheries, coastal tourism and ocean technology, saying these areas can create new pathways for India’s growth.

Soft power

Soft power is the seventh stream identified by PM Modi.

He cited Yoga, handicrafts, films, animation, gaming, digital content and the creative sector as examples of India’s soft power.

The Prime Minister also highlighted India’s potential to attract global tourists and called for greater focus on the country’s tourism opportunities, including its national parks and other attractions.

With “Shakti Ki Saptadhara”, PM Modi outlined a broad growth framework covering manufacturing and agriculture, emerging technology, connectivity, defence, sustainable energy, the blue economy and India’s cultural and creative influence.