A Japanese exchange student in IIT Guwahati allegedly committed suicide in his hostel room on Thursday. According to sources, he was in the Department of Biosciences and Bioengineering and had only been in the country for the last three months. The Japanese student also allegedly asked that his phone be given to his fellow Japanese friends, it is believed that he has left a note on the device. According to sources, he hanged himself from the window in the hostel room. So far, the cause of death is uncertain.

The police have reached the institute and faculty members including the dean of student affairs are currently present there, students said. 

A student from IIT Guwahati said that the campus sees a few suicides every year, "Incidentally, the new director said in his first address that he has never seen so many counsellors in any other institute. He said - Why do you need so much counselling. You are all smart people. Just go out in the sun and play for one hour every day," the student claimed. 

Earlier this month, Fathima Latheef, a student from IIT Madras committed suicide and left a message on her phone naming professors who had allegedly pushed her to take the drastic step. 

Fathima Latheef's suicide caused an uproar in the country, started discussions on discrimination, harassment and lack of mental health care in IITs in the country. While an investigation into her death is being carried on by the Central Crime Branch, students from across the country have conducted protests and demanded better mental health care facilities in all the IITs. 

We were unable to reach the administration for a comment.