A Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) student, in his early 20’s, allegedly committed suicide on Friday by hanging himself from a ceiling fan in a study room of the university. Police said the student was going undergoing treatment for depression.

The student identified as Rishi Joshua Thomas who hailed from Kerela, was a second year student of Master in Arts (MA), English Language and he had e-mailed a purported suicide note to his English professor before hanging himself.

According to Devendra Arya, the Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP), South West district, a police control room call (PCR) call was received at around 12 pm in which the caller who is also warden of Mahi Mandvi hostel, where Joshua resided informed regarding the incident.

“Police reached at the varsity’s “School of Languages” department after contacting the caller, the in-charge of Mahi Mandvi hostel. Police found that one room in the basement of the library building was locked from inside and there was no response on knocking the door,” said the DCP.

“From the window, police team saw a body hanging from the ceiling fan. The door was forcibly opened and the body was taken down by cutting the cable. He was taken to JNU doctor in the campus who declared him dead,” said the DCP.

“The crime team has visited the spot and necessary investigation was done by them. The body has been shifted to Safdarjung Hospital. Relatives have been informed and Rishi’s one cousin Mathew Vargese had also reached JNU after he came to know about the incident,” said the DCP.

“Initial investigation suggests that the deceased was undergoing some treatment. Police have recovered one suicide note which was mailed to Professor of English language. As per preliminary enquiry no foul play is suspected. Further investigation is in progress,” the DCP added.