A 21-year-old student at Gujarat National Law University (GNLU) in Gandhinagar died by suicide in his dormitory room on Monday night. Vansh Gaint, a third-year student from Patiala, Punjab, was found unresponsive by fellow students, who broke down the door around midnight after he failed to respond to repeated knocks.
Notably, this is not the first death case at GNLU. In October last year, a first-year undergraduate student died while he was in Bhopal to attend a sports festival held at National Law Institute University (NLIU).
The Infocity police have registered a case of accidental death and launched an investigation. According to the police, Gaint’s room was locked from the inside, with a cloth secured to the door handle.
His roommate, Pritesh, had last spoken to him around 10 pm before leaving the hostel. Upon returning at 11:30 pm and receiving no response, Pritesh and other concerned students informed the hostel warden. After multiple failed attempts to contact Gaint, they forced the door open and found him on the floor.
Officials indicated that Gaint had allegedly hanged himself from the latch.
University authorities stated that an in-house nurse was called to attend to Gaint before he was rushed to SMVS Hospital in the university’s car.
The hospital referred him to Apollo Hospital, where he was declared dead approximately 45 minutes after admission. GNLU Registrar Dr Nitin Malik confirmed that Gaint’s family arrived by evening.
Dr Malik described Gaint as an academically excellent student, particularly strong in economics, and an active participant in university activities. He expressed condolences, stating, “Our prayers are with the family. The family was apprised of the situation and assured of all possible help in the probe. As they wanted a full forensic investigation, the mortal remains were sent to the Civil Hospital in Ahmedabad. After due procedure, the family will fly the mortal remains to their native place for last rites.”
GNLU cancelled all academic activities on Tuesday and held a condolence meeting. The university also extended psychological support to Gaint’s classmates and other students.
Questions have been raised regarding the university’s emergency response. While GNLU used its car for transportation, students expressed concerns over the lack of an ambulance on campus.
Malik explained that the university’s car, marked with a GNLU plaque, is stationed near the hostels at night for emergencies. He further mentioned that a nurse is available on campus and attended to Gaint before the hospital transfer.
In response to mental health concerns, Vice-Chancellor Prof (Dr) S Shanthakumar emphasised the university’s support services, including access to a counsellor, clinical psychologist, and a 24/7 online telehealth service.
He highlighted the GNLU Wellness Initiative Cell (GWIC), which has organised therapeutic activities since 2021, including pottery workshops, journaling sessions, and art therapy.
The Vice-Chancellor assured that student concerns are handled with confidentiality and that a strict anonymity protocol is followed. Suggestion boxes have been installed across the campus for anonymous grievance submissions.
Police Inspector V R Kher told Vibes of India that Gaint’s phone and laptop had been seized for further investigation.
He said, “No clear reason for the decision has been determined. We have provided psychological support to his classmates and other students. In initial conversations, students described Vansh as an energetic and helpful individual actively involved in various activities. Many observed him going about his usual routine on Tuesday.”
“Statements from his family, friends, and fellow students will be recorded. Gaint was undergoing therapy for depression, and the initial findings suggested no foul play. The preliminary post-mortem report confirmed suicide, with further forensic analysis pending,” an official said.
Officials continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding the incident.
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