Doctor found hanging in Kolkata hostel; family alleges murder or abetted suicide
Synopsis
A 28-year-old junior doctor was found hanging in a Kolkata hostel, but his family refuses to accept the suicide theory — alleging either murder or abetment. With social media posts flagged as a red flag and police analysing his phone, the autopsy report will be pivotal in determining whether this is a tragedy or a crime.
Key Takeaways
Avijit Sarkar , 28 , a house-staff doctor at N.R.S.
Medical College and Hospital , was found hanging in his Nagerbazar hostel room on Sunday, 9 November 2026 .
He was declared dead at R.G.
Kar Medical College and Hospital after being rushed there by hostel staff.
Family members have filed a complaint at Nagerbazar Police Station , alleging either murder or abetment to suicide .
Sarkar had reportedly made 'suggestive posts on social media' in the days before his death, which police are now examining alongside his mobile phone.
Police say the cause of death will be confirmed after the autopsy report ; a formal investigation is underway on lines of the family's allegations.
Sarkar, a resident of Nadia district , completed his MBBS from NRS Medical College in 2018 .
The body of junior doctor Avijit Sarkar, 28, was found hanging in his hostel room at Nagerbazar on the northern outskirts of Kolkata on Sunday, 9 November 2026, triggering a police investigation after his family alleged either murder or abetment to suicide. Sarkar was employed as house staff at the state-run N.R.S. Medical College and Hospital in Sealdah, central Kolkata.
How the Discovery Unfolded
According to the family, hostel authorities contacted them around 4 pm on Sunday to inform them that Sarkar had been found hanging in his room. He was rushed to the nearby state-run R.G. Kar Medical College and Hospital, where doctors declared him dead. The family learned of the incident through the hostel management rather than directly through police, a detail they have highlighted in their complaint.
Family's Allegations and Police Response
While the police initially suspect suicide, Sarkar's family has categorically contested that version. Family members who reached Nagerbazar Police Station to file a formal complaint have alleged that the young doctor was either murdered in a planned manner or was driven to death through abetment. Based on their complaint, the police have initiated a probe on those specific lines. The real cause of death, police stated, will be established once the initial autopsy report is available.
Social Media Posts Cited as Red Flag
Family members told reporters on Monday morning that Sarkar had been making 'several suggestive posts on social media' over the preceding days. After noticing those posts, relatives reportedly suspected he was experiencing 'extreme insecurity for some reasons,' though they said they had no clear information on what specifically triggered his anxiety and tension. Investigators are now examining his mobile phone and social media activity to piece together a timeline.
Background: Who Was Avijit Sarkar
Sarkar, a resident of Sapjala in Majhergram of Nadia district, West Bengal, completed his MBBS from NRS Medical College in 2018. He had been residing at the Nagerbazar hostel due to work obligations while serving his house-staff tenure at the same institution. This case comes in the context of mounting national concern over mental health and safety conditions for junior doctors in government medical colleges — a conversation that intensified following the R.G. Kar Medical College incident earlier this year.
What Happens Next
The autopsy report is expected to be a critical determinant in the investigation's direction. Police officials have confirmed they are analysing Sarkar's phone data and digital footprint. Should the autopsy findings align with the family's allegations, the case could be escalated to a homicide or abetment investigation. The family has formally placed their version on record, ensuring that the probe cannot be closed as a routine suicide without addressing their concerns.
Point of View
'suggestive' social media posts that went unaddressed — raising questions about mental health support and institutional oversight in government medical hostels. The R.G. Kar episode earlier this year had already placed Bengal's medical institutions under intense scrutiny; this case will test whether police investigations in such settings can remain free of institutional pressure. The autopsy outcome will be watched closely, but the digital trail — phone data and social media — may ultimately be more revealing than the post-mortem alone.
NationPress
9 Nov 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was Avijit Sarkar and where did he work?
Avijit Sarkar was a 28-year-old junior doctor serving as house staff at the state-run N.R.S. Medical College and Hospital in Sealdah, Kolkata. He was a resident of Sapjala in Majhergram, Nadia district, and had completed his MBBS from NRS Medical College in 2018.
What does the family allege about his death?
The family has alleged that Sarkar was either murdered in a planned manner or that it was a case of abetment to suicide. They have filed a formal complaint at Nagerbazar Police Station, disputing the police's initial suspicion of suicide.
What evidence are police examining?
Police are examining Sarkar's mobile phone and social media posts, which family members say contained 'suggestive' content in the days before his death. The autopsy report is also expected to be a key determinant in the investigation's direction.
Why are social media posts significant in this case?
Family members say Sarkar had made several suggestive posts on social media in the days preceding his death, which led them to believe he was experiencing extreme insecurity. Investigators are now analysing these posts to establish a possible motive or identify persons who may have contributed to his mental state.
What happens if the autopsy contradicts the suicide theory?
If the autopsy findings support the family's allegations, the case could be escalated to a homicide or abetment-to-suicide investigation. Police have confirmed they are probing on the lines of the family's formal complaint and will not close the case until all forensic and digital evidence is reviewed.
