Lucknow University student found hanging in hostel room; inmates cite he was under depression

LUCKNOW: A 19-year-old student of BA (first year) at Lucknow University was found dead in his hostel room on Sunday afternoon.

Police said preliminary investigation suggests that the student died by suicide.


Naveen Kumar, a Dalit student from Ballia, was pursuing BA (NEP) in history, Hindi and political science, and was an inmate of Subhash Hostel.

Eldest among three siblings, Naveen had visited his native place on Feb 19 and returned on Feb 26 to appear for the RBI office attendant examination which was scheduled on Sunday.

Hostel inmates said they knocked at his door around 8am but received no response and assumed he was sleeping. Around 12.30pm, when repeated attempts failed, the students informed hostel provost Mahendra Kumar.

Police were alerted and when the door was later broken open in the presence of university authorities, the student was found hanging from the ceiling.

Naveen’s mobile phone was found plugged in for charging and music was playing in the room.

Police said he placed his study table on the bed to reach the hook on the ceiling, which was nearly 15 feet high. No suicide note was recovered from the room.

Assistant commissioner of police, Mahanagar, Ankit Kumar said it appeared to be a case of suicide, and the student was said to be under depression. Naveen’s roommate had left for his village for Holi celebrations.

The body has been handed over to the family, who have not lodged any complaint so far.

Hostel inmates said Naveen was a quiet and introverted student and appeared to be under some stress.

They told police that he had earlier gone missing for two days after switching off his phone, and did not offer any explanation upon his return.

Police sources indicated that financial constraints and family-related issues might have been weighing on him. Before returning to hostel, he had reportedly told his family that he would appear for the competitive examination on Sunday.