Bhubaneswar, Jan 13: A tragic road accident inside the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Bhubaneswar campus claimed the life of a PhD student on Tuesday, sending shockwaves across the academic community.

According to preliminary information, two students were travelling on a scooter within the institute premises when the vehicle reportedly hit a divider. The impact proved fatal for one of the riders, while the other sustained serious injuries.

The deceased has been identified as Shankhashubhra Chakraborty, a PhD scholar from Kolkata, who was pursuing his research at IIT Bhubaneswar. His sudden demise has left fellow students and faculty members deeply shocked and saddened.

The second student, who was riding along with Chakraborty, suffered critical injuries and has been admitted to a private hospital in Bhubaneswar, where he is undergoing treatment.

Following the incident, institute authorities and police officials have launched an inquiry to ascertain the exact circumstances leading to the accident. Further details are awaited.