Mangaluru: A final-year undergraduate student of the mining engineering department at the National Institute of Technology Karnataka (NITK) Surathkal died on Wednesday after allegedly falling from the top floor of a hostel building.The student was rushed to a nearby private hospital, where he was declared dead on arrival. The institute has expressed deep sorrow over the incident, and said it was extending all possible assistance to the bereaved family.The head of the mining engineering department said the student had maintained a strong academic record and actively participated in sports and other extracurricular activities.The NITK director, deputy director and registrar in-charge expressed condolences on behalf of the institute.In a statement, the institute said it had been strengthening its student welfare and mental health support systems. Professional psychological counsellors and a consulting psychiatrist are available through the institute’s health care centre. NITK also has memoranda of understanding with nearby medical colleges to provide round-the-clock counselling support.The institute recently introduced life-skills activities for all newly admitted undergraduate students to support their physical, mental and social well-being.
