BTech student dies after fall from GITAM University 6th floor, Bengaluru probe on
Synopsis
A 20-year-old BTech student, Varshitha from Guntakal in Andhra Pradesh, died after allegedly jumping from the sixth floor of GITAM University's Nagadevanahalli campus on Thursday night. It is at least the third death involving a student at the same campus since 2022, raising urgent questions about student safety and mental health support at the institution.
Key Takeaways
Varshitha , a 20-year-old BTech student from Guntakal, Andhra Pradesh , died after allegedly jumping from the sixth floor of a building at GITAM University , Nagadevanahalli , on Thursday night, 16 October 2026 .
Doddaballapur Rural police have launched an investigation; Bengaluru Rural SP Chandrakanth M.V. visited the spot and confirmed the probe.
Her mobile phone has been seized; a reported medical history is being verified as part of the inquiry.
In an earlier incident on 18 February , student Nayana S.V. died after allegedly jumping from the 13th floor of the same hostel campus.
In April 2022 , a 24-year-old Ugandan student, Haseena , died after falling from the sixth floor of the same campus.
A 20-year-old BTech student, identified as Varshitha, died on Thursday night after allegedly jumping from the sixth floor of a building at GITAM University in Nagadevanahalli village, Bengaluru Rural district. Police confirmed the incident on Friday, 16 October 2026, and launched an investigation into the circumstances surrounding her death.
Who Was Varshitha
Varshitha was a native of Guntakal in Andhra Pradesh. She had reportedly been residing in the university hostel for six years and had been pursuing her B.Tech degree for the past three years. Her parents were informed about the incident and were on their way to the site, according to reports.
What Police Found at the Scene
Doddaballapur Rural police rushed to the spot following the incident. Given the gravity of the case, the Superintendent of Police also visited the site in person. Investigators inspected Varshitha's hostel room and took her mobile phone into custody as part of their inquiry. Bengaluru Rural SP Chandrakanth M.V. stated that there were reports Varshitha had a medical history, which would be verified during the investigation. He added that police are examining all circumstances leading to her death and will take appropriate legal action based on findings.
Depression Suspected, But Questions Remain
According to preliminary information, depression is suspected as a possible reason, though several questions have reportedly arisen over the exact circumstances. The police have not confirmed any motive and say the investigation remains at an early stage. The seizure of her mobile phone suggests investigators are looking into her recent communications and digital activity.
A Pattern of Tragedies at the Same Campus
This is not the first such incident at GITAM University's Nagadevanahalli campus. On 18 February, a 20-year-old computer science and engineering student identified as Nayana S.V., a native of Sarjapura in Bengaluru Rural and the daughter of a farmer, allegedly jumped to her death from the 13th floor of the hostel building at the same campus. Nayana had reportedly made a video on her phone apologising to her parents before taking the extreme step; no death note was found, and her family members were said to be unaware of any motive.
Additionally, in April 2022, a 24-year-old final-year engineering student from Uganda, identified as Haseena, died after falling from the sixth floor of the hostel campus. Police had to resort to a lathi charge to disperse students who were protesting at the time. Haseena was allegedly attempting to retrieve a piece of cloth that had fallen onto the asbestos roof of an adjacent building when she slipped and fell. She was rushed to a nearby hospital, where doctors declared her brought dead.
The recurrence of such incidents at the same university campus is likely to intensify scrutiny of institutional safety protocols and student mental health infrastructure at GITAM University.
Point of View
Without a visible audit of the institution's welfare systems, is a structural failure. Regulators and the University Grants Commission should be asking why corrective measures after the first and second incidents were insufficient to prevent a third.
NationPress
16 Oct 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was the student who died at GITAM University in Bengaluru?
The deceased was Varshitha , a 20-year-old BTech student and a native of Guntakal in Andhra Pradesh. She had been living in the university hostel for six years and had been enrolled in the B.Tech programme for three years.
What is the current status of the police investigation?
Doddaballapur Rural police have launched a probe and seized Varshitha's mobile phone. Bengaluru Rural SP Chandrakanth M.V. confirmed that her reported medical history is being verified and that appropriate legal action will follow once findings are established.
Is this the first such incident at GITAM University's Nagadevanahalli campus?
No. At least two earlier student deaths occurred at the same campus — student Nayana S.V. in February and Ugandan student Haseena in April 2022 — making this the third such tragedy at the location in recent years.
What was the suspected reason for Varshitha's death?
Depression is reportedly suspected as a possible reason, according to preliminary information available to police. However, no motive has been confirmed, and the investigation is ongoing.
What happens next in the case?
Police will analyse Varshitha's mobile phone and verify her medical history as part of the investigation. Legal action will be determined based on the findings. Her parents were on their way to the campus as of Friday morning.
