A call that never ended: AMU student dies while speaking to father abroad, investigation underway

In a heartbreaking reminder of life’s fragility, a 20-year-old student of Aligarh Muslim University (AMU) died inside her hostel room while speaking to her father over a video call. The incident, which unfolded on campus on Monday evening, has left the university community in shock and mourning.

The student, a final-year diploma candidate at the Women’s Polytechnic, was alone in her room at the time of the incident. Officials said she had not gone home during the winter break and remained on campus. Although the university reopened on Monday, her roommate had not yet returned.

According to AMU Proctor Prof. Mohd Wasim Ali, the student had first spoken to her brother in Azamgarh before initiating a video call with her father, who works in Saudi Arabia, around 8 pm. During both conversations, she reportedly expressed her intention to end her life.

Attempts to Intervene Fall Short

Alarmed by the calls, her father and brother tried to reach acquaintances in Aligarh to intervene. Hostel neighbours later told investigators they heard raised voices from the room but did not knock, believing it to be a private matter.

Officials said the student’s brother contacted a friend living about 1.5 km from the campus. However, the friend was denied immediate entry to the women’s hostel due to security protocols. By the time university authorities were informed and accessed the room, the student had died.

Probe Underway

“No suicide note has been recovered,” Prof. Ali said, adding that the cause behind the extreme step remains unclear. A post-mortem examination was conducted on Tuesday.

AMU Vice-Chancellor Prof. Naima Khatoon visited the hostel along with senior officials to meet students and staff, as the university grapples with the tragic loss and awaits answers.