NIT Hamirpur Student Death: Drug Kingpin Arrested, Booked Under NDPS Act

The accused drug kingpin was found with 1.6 gram of 'chitta', a form of adulterated heroin, in his possession.

Police arrests drug kingpin in NIT Hamirpur student death case (Representational image)

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A drug kingpin has been arrested in connection with the recent death of a student in NIT Hamirpur, as per the police. Notably, a first-year M.Tech student in NIT Hamirpur died on October 23, due to suspected drug overdose. The accused in the case, Ravi Chopra was arrested by the police late Tuesday night, and was booked under sections 304 of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) for culpable homicide. Sections of the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act have also been slapped on the accused, after he was found with 1.6 gram of 'chitta', a form of adulterated heroin, in his possession, Superintendent of Police (SP) Akriti Sharma was reported as saying by news agency PTI. 

The SP further stated that the accused Chopra is the kingpin of drugs in Hamirpur, and this is the seventh case being filed against him, under the NDPS Act. In connection with the NIT Hamirpur student’s death, and possession of drugs, the police had earlier arrested seven people, including 5 students of NIT Hamirpur. 

The dead body of the deceased student was found inside his hostel room on October 23, 2023. The preliminary investigations into the matter hinted at drug overdose following which, raids at several places were conducted by the police. Further investigation revealed that Rajat Chopra, one of the accused in the case had close ties with Chopra and both had done dealings worth lakhs of rupees in the past 20 days, as per the police. 

Following the student’s death, the NIT Hamirpur administration has also intensified security measures to keep campus students away from drugs. Recently, the institute banned two girls from living in the hostel after they were found drunk while entering the campus. NIT Hamirpur Registrar Archana Santosh Nanoty, six wardens have been shifted and new wardens have also been appointed. 

The registrar was further reported as saying that the work to repair the walls of the campus through which students used to leave and enter the campus is also underway. She further said that no student will be allowed to leave the campus after 09:00 pm, and strict actions would be taken against those who violate the norms. 

(With inputs from PTI)