Kanpur, August 26, 2025 – In a heartbreaking incident that has shaken the community, a 25-year-old software developer working at the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Kanpur was found dead in his rented apartment yesterday. Police say Deepak Chowdhary, originally from Jalgaon district in Maharashtra, took his own life by hanging himself with a plastic rope from the ceiling fan. The discovery came on Monday morning when his friends grew worried after he didn’t answer their calls or knocks on the door.
Chowdhary had been living alone in flat 1514 of Vijay Enclave in Guba Garden, under the Kalyanpur police station area. He worked in the cybersecurity department at IIT Kanpur for the past two years, hired through an outsourcing firm for projects at the institute. Friends described him as cheerful just the night before, sharing dinner and chatting like usual. But by morning, something had gone terribly wrong. Peeking through the window, they spotted his body and quickly alerted the authorities.
When police arrived, they had to break open the door with help from a forensic team. Inside, they found a handwritten note in his diary that painted a picture of deep struggle. In it, Chowdhary apologized to his parents, writing, “Mom, Dad, please forgive me. I don’t drink or do anything wrong.” He explained that he felt overwhelmed, unable to match the fast pace of changes in the cybersecurity world. This note has become a key piece in understanding what led to this sad event.
IIT Kanpur’s director, Manindra Agarwal, shared that Chowdhary had recently talked to a senior faculty member about his difficulties at work. The advisor encouraged him to push harder, promising that success would come with effort. Despite this, it seems the pressure got too much. The institute released a statement expressing deep sorrow over the loss of a “talented and dedicated young professional.” They are waiting for the police report to learn more and have offered prayers for his family’s strength.
Assistant Commissioner of Police Ranjeet Kumar from Kalyanpur confirmed no signs of foul play so far. The body was sent for a postmortem exam, and Chowdhary’s family back in Maharashtra has been notified. Deputy Commissioner of Police Dinesh Tripathi added that the investigation is still going on, but everything points to suicide driven by work stress.
This isn’t the first time IIT Kanpur has faced such a tragedy. But it raises tough questions about the mental health challenges in high-pressure tech jobs, especially in fields like cybersecurity where things evolve so quickly. Experts say the constant need to learn new skills can wear people down, and support systems are crucial.
Chowdhary’s story is a reminder of how hidden struggles can lead to desperate acts. As the community mourns, calls are growing for better mental health resources in workplaces like IITs. Authorities always urge citizens who feels low to reach out for help. Helplines are available, and talking to someone can make a difference.
