In a tragic turn of events, Anika Rastogi, a 19-year-old third-year law student at the Ram Manohar Lohia National Law University in Lucknow, was found dead in her hostel room late last night. The incident occurred in the Ashiyana area of Lucknow. Anika, the daughter of Inspector General Santosh Rastogi, who is currently serving in the National Investigation Agency (NIA), was discovered unconscious by her friends who had grown concerned after she did not respond to their calls or knocks on her door.
Immediate Response and Medical Examination of Anika Rastogi
Upon finding Anika unresponsive, her friends forcibly opened the door to her locked room and immediately rushed her to a nearby hospital. Despite their efforts, doctors declared her brought dead. The room was found locked from the inside, and no suspicious items were discovered, leading to initial speculation that there was no foul play involved.
University Statement and Cause of Death
The Ram Manohar Lohia National Law University, where Anika was pursuing a BA LLB (Hons), issued an official statement expressing profound sadness at her passing. According to the university, Anika’s death was attributed to a “cardiac arrest.” This diagnosis, however, remains to be confirmed by the ongoing post-mortem examination. The police have sent her body for a detailed autopsy to determine the exact cause of death, with the report expected to provide crucial insights into the circumstances surrounding her sudden demise.
Police Investigation and Family’s Reaction
At present, the Ashiyana Police are investigating the case. They have yet to receive a formal complaint from Anika’s family. Authorities are closely examining the post-mortem report, which is expected to guide further actions in the investigation. Anika’s family, including her father Santosh Rastogi, a distinguished IPS officer, is currently awaiting the results of the autopsy to understand what led to her untimely death.
Recent Similar Incidents Highlight Student Safety Concerns
Anika’s passing is one of several recent student deaths that have sparked worries about the security and welfare of students. Anurag Jaiswal, a Tata Institute of Social Sciences (TISS) post-graduate student, was discovered dead in his leased residence last week. It was assumed that Jaiswal, who had just returned from a party, had consumed something hazardous. His roommates found his corpse, and when they got to Sushrut Hospital, they declared him dead. To determine the precise reason of his death, a post-mortem examination has been arranged.
“`random,,, also good hair day“` pic.twitter.com/bpvUWvYPtG
— Anika Rastogi (@syncronymlexi) May 3, 2022Earlier this month, a post-graduate student from the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Guwahati was discovered hanging in her dorm room, which was a disturbing situation. Friends who noticed the student’s absence from courses found her body. This was the institute’s third unnatural death of the year. In order to ascertain the cause of death, the police have sent her remains for a post-mortem examination while they begin an inquiry.
The recent spate of student deaths underscores the urgent need for increased awareness and mental health support within academic institutions. As investigations continue into these tragic events, there is a growing call for universities and colleges to implement better support systems and resources for students facing personal and academic challenges. The community extends its condolences to the families affected and hopes for thorough investigations that will provide clarity and justice.
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