Kamal Ghorui
PATNA: A 21-year-old BTech student from Telangana died after being electrocuted on the IIT-Patna campus in Bihta on Saturday morning when he accidentally came into contact with a live electric pole at a playground. The fourth-year student had travelled from Mumbai to attend a farewell programme on the campus.According to police, the deceased was identified as Sadasivuni Harshith Patnaik, son of Ramesh Patnaik, a resident of Hyderabad. Harshith was a fourth-year BTech student at IIT Patna and was also pursuing a dual degree course at IIM Bombay.The incident took place around 6am when a group of students was playing cricket on the campus grounds. During the game, the ball rolled near an electric pole. When Harshith went to retrieve it, he accidentally came in contact with the iron pole, which was allegedly carrying live current.“Harshith was electrocuted and collapsed on the spot. His friends raised an alarm and power supply was immediately cut. He was rushed to Netaji Subhas Medical College and Hospital, where doctors declared him dead. The body has been sent to AIIMS Patna for post-mortem. A forensic team visited the spot and collected evidence. The family has been informed and is on their way to Patna,” said Roshan Kumar Raj, SHO of IIT Amhara police station.Roshan added that the exact cause of death would be confirmed only after the post-mortem report was received.The incident triggered shock and grief among students and faculty members on the campus, particularly as Harshith had returned to attend the farewell event of his batchmates.In an official statement, IIT Patna expressed deep sorrow over the student’s death.“We are deeply saddened to inform that Harshith Patnaik from Hyderabad passed away in a tragic incident near Kalam hostel. He had completed three years at IIT Patna and was pursuing a dual degree at IIM Bombay. He was on campus to attend his batchmates’ farewell. We are shocked and heartbroken. The exact cause is under investigation,” the institute said.The institute also appealed to students and staff to remain calm and support the bereaved family.“We request everyone to remain calm and extend support to his family and friends during this difficult time. His parents have been informed and are on their way. The institute is completing all necessary formalities,” the statement added.
