BITS Pilani has tightened campus security following the drug-related death of MSc Physics student Rushi Nair, 21. Verna police are now stationed at campus gates to inspect all parcels, and nearly 600 CCTV cameras have been installed across hostels and common areas to monitor student safety.
Nair was found dead in his hostel room earlier this month. Forensic tests confirmed drugs were involved, marking the first such case on campus. His death is the fifth at the institute in the past nine months, raising serious concerns about student safety, substance abuse, and mental health.
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The new parcel checks have already resulted in intercepted deliveries containing prohibited items. Senior police officials, including DIG Varsha Sharma and SP South Tikam Singh Verma, have visited the campus to review hostel layouts and recommend tighter monitoring at all entry and exit points.
BITS Pilani officials stressed that the enhanced surveillance system is intended to prevent narcotics inflow and reassure parents. Critics, however, warn that such measures alone cannot address the deeper challenges of student welfare and mental health support. Investigations into Nair’s death are ongoing.
