Tragedy at IIM Ahmedabad: Students Seek Accountability Following Classmate’s Suicide - Read Now
In a somber development that has shaken the Indian Institute of Management (IIM), Ahmedabad, the death of final-year student Akshith Bhukya has prompted the institution's Students’ Affairs Council to call for a thorough investigation into the circumstances surrounding his alleged suicide. This tragic incident has raised grave concerns among students about their well-being and the pressures they face within one of India's premier management institutes.
1. Circumstances Surrounding Akshith Bhukya’s Death
Akshith Bhukya, a 24-year-old student from Warangal, Telangana, was found dead in his hostel room on September 26, just before the annual management symposium, The Red Bricks Summit (TRBS). Bhukya was serving as the head of the coordination committee for the summit, which was subsequently canceled following his untimely demise.
The students' council has expressed that the current measures taken by the administration to address the situation are insufficient and have failed to instill confidence within the student community. They have requested the formation of a high-powered committee to investigate the matter further.
2. Students Demand a High-Powered Committee
In an email addressed to the institute's director, Bharat Bhasker, the Students' Affairs Council emphasized the need for a comprehensive inquiry into the events leading up to Bhukya's death. The letter, signed by Atman Soni, the general secretary of the council, cited "malafide, baseless, and politically motivated allegations" that may have compounded the stress faced by the students.
“We do not wish to be drawn into controversies that divert our attention from our primary objective of empowering the disempowered through education and social service,” the email stated.
3. Investigating Administrative Actions
The email further alleged that an administrative officer’s handling of matters related to TRBS contributed significantly to the pressures faced by Bhukya. Preliminary findings suggest that the uncooperative stance adopted by the IIM-A administration during the preparation for TRBS created an overwhelming environment for Bhukya.
Students indicated that the administration's actions could have led to considerable stress, ultimately contributing to the tragic outcome. “The student community is deeply troubled by the circumstances surrounding this incident, as well as the institution’s response to it,” the letter conveyed.
4. Ongoing Police Investigation
Following Bhukya's death, his father lodged a complaint with local authorities, prompting a police investigation into the matter. However, concerns have arisen over the limited scope of the inquiry. The students expressed dissatisfaction with the police's focus, suggesting that it was inadequate to fully address the circumstances of Bhukya's death.
Hemanth Bhukya, Akshith's father, has echoed similar sentiments, emphasizing the need for a thorough investigation and timely updates from the police. “There is no update from either the police or IIM-A on the investigation. We last heard from police around 10 days ago when we called them,” he stated.
5. Campus Culture and Pressure
The tragic death of Akshith Bhukya has once again highlighted the intense pressure faced by students at IIM-A, which is renowned for its rigorous academic environment. The demands of leadership roles, particularly in high-stakes events like TRBS, can lead to significant stress and mental health challenges among students.
The students’ council has called for systemic changes to improve mental health support and transparency within the institute. They have also raised concerns regarding the prioritization of external events over student-led initiatives, which can further exacerbate feelings of alienation and stress among the student body.
