India, Jan. 21 -- KANPUR/LUCKNOW A day after a PhD scholar allegedly died by suicide after jumping off a hostel building on the campus, the Indian Institute of Technology, Kanpur (IIT-K) is facing sharp criticism from outsiders and past pupils alike with questions being raised over its ability to cope with the rising number of such incidents.

Even as IIT-Kanpur reiterates its commitment to students' mental and physical well-being, the growing gap between policy and outcomes continues to raise questions about stress, support systems and the "unseen pressures" faced by students at one of India's most prestigious institutions.

The IIT Alumni Support Group claimed that 30 suicides took place in IITs in the last two years, out of which nine ...