PhD scholar dies, another injured in accident on IIT-Bhubaneshwar campus

On the night of January 14, 2026, a tragic accident occurred on the campus of the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Bhubaneswar, resulting in the death of a PhD scholar and serious injuries to another. The incident has raised concerns about safety protocols and transportation regulations within the campus.

Details of the Incident

The accident took place around 11:20 PM when Shankhasubhra Chakraborty, a third-year PhD scholar, was riding a scooter with his fellow scholar, Shakti Sagar Srivastav, who is in his first year of research. Both students were traveling from their hostel to the academic zone of the campus when the accident occurred.

According to reports, Chakraborty lost control of the scooter and crashed into a street kerb. The impact of the collision was severe, leading to critical injuries for Chakraborty, who was found unconscious at the scene. Srivastav, although conscious, was also injured and was found on the pavement.

Emergency Response

Immediately following the crash, a nearby security patrol was alerted by the sound of the accident. Security personnel rushed to the scene and provided initial assistance to both students. They were quickly transported to the institute’s Sanjeevan Hospital for emergency treatment.

Despite the efforts of the medical staff, Shankhasubhra Chakraborty was pronounced dead upon arrival at Manipal Hospital, where he was referred for advanced care. Shakti Sagar Srivastav is currently receiving treatment in the Neuro ICU, and his condition is reported to be stable.

Background of the Victims

Shankhasubhra Chakraborty hailed from Kolkata and was known for his dedication to research in the field of Earth, Ocean, and Climate Sciences. His untimely death has left a significant impact on his peers and faculty members at IIT-Bhubaneswar.

Shakti Sagar Srivastav, originally from Lucknow, is currently being supported by his family, who have been informed of the accident and are en route to the campus.

Investigation and Safety Protocols

The Jatni police have initiated an investigation to determine the circumstances surrounding the accident. They aim to ascertain the factors that contributed to the crash and whether any regulations were violated.

An official from IIT-Bhubaneswar stated that the institute has strict regulations governing the use of two-wheelers on campus. Only PhD students are permitted to ride scooters, and they must adhere to a prescribed speed limit. This policy is in place to ensure the safety of all students, considering the considerable distance between the hostels and the laboratories on the 936-acre campus.

Transportation Options on Campus

In addition to allowing PhD scholars to ride scooters, IIT-Bhubaneswar offers various transportation options within the campus. These include:

• Bus services
• Bicycles
• E-rickshaws

These alternatives are designed to facilitate easy movement across the campus, particularly for students who may need to travel quickly for research purposes.

Community Response and Mourning

The news of the accident has sent shockwaves through the IIT-Bhubaneswar community. Students, faculty, and staff have expressed their condolences and support for the families affected by this tragedy. Vigils and memorials are being organized to honor the memory of Shankhasubhra Chakraborty and to support Shakti Sagar Srivastav during his recovery.

As the investigation continues, the institute is also reviewing its safety measures and transportation policies to prevent such incidents in the future. The well-being of students remains a top priority, and the administration is committed to ensuring a safe campus environment.

Conclusion

The tragic accident on the IIT-Bhubaneswar campus serves as a stark reminder of the importance of safety and vigilance while navigating the campus. As the community mourns the loss of a promising scholar, it also reflects on the need for enhanced safety protocols to protect all students. The investigation by local authorities will hopefully shed light on the circumstances of the accident and lead to improvements that ensure the safety of everyone on campus.

Note: The information presented in this article is based on available reports and is subject to change as further details emerge from the ongoing investigation.