Parul University Student Found Dead in Hostel Room

Vadodara | Gujarat — Shock and grief swept through the campus of Parul University on Friday after a 21-year-old engineering student from Mumbai was found dead inside his hostel room, triggering fresh concerns over student wellbeing and campus safety.

Meet Jagdish Patel, a B.Tech fourth-semester student originally from Borivali in Mumbai, was discovered hanging in Room 204 of Tagore Bhawan-B Hostel in the early hours. Police said he allegedly used a bedsheet tied to a ceiling fan hook. The reason behind the extreme step remains unknown.

The incident came to light after a hostel staff member noticed Patel had not responded and informed authorities. Officers from Waghodia Police Station rushed to the spot, secured the room, and shifted the body for postmortem examination.

“The body has been sent for autopsy and an accidental death case has been registered. His mobile phone has been seized for forensic analysis to determine if there were any messages or clues,” said investigating officer D. R. Desai. “We have informed the family, and the body has been handed over to his father after procedures.”

News of Patel’s death spread quickly across the campus in Vadodara, leaving classmates stunned. “He was quiet but regular in class. No one imagined something like this,” said a fellow student, requesting anonymity. “It’s heartbreaking and frightening for all of us.”

Students gathered outside the hostel, many in tears, as university authorities coordinated with police and the family. Officials said counselling support would be offered to residents.

The tragedy has also revived memories of a similar case two years ago, when another hostel student allegedly died by suicide after jumping from the sixth floor of the campus residence, raising questions about stress management and mental health support systems for young students living away from home.

Parents and students alike have called for stronger counselling mechanisms and early intervention. “Academic pressure and loneliness are real issues. Colleges must actively check on students,” said one parent waiting outside the hostel.