Team Goemkarponn
PANAJI: The mysterious death of 21-year-old Kushagra Jain, a BITS Pilani Goa student found in his hostel room on August 17, has taken a new turn after forensic screening ruled out narcotics use but detected traces of a commonly prescribed blood pressure drug.
Police confirmed that the Randox Multistat test showed no presence of illegal substances. Instead, it indicated the use of Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme (ACE) inhibitors, a drug class typically prescribed for hypertension and diabetes patients.
“Nothing narcotic has been detected. The only substance found is a prescribed drug, possibly consumed in excess. We are still awaiting the detailed report from FSDL Verna to confirm the cause of death,” said Verna Police Inspector Anand Shirodkar.
The finding has puzzled experts. Dr. Silvano Sapeco, former head of Forensic Medicine at Goa Medical College, said it was unlikely the student had intentionally overdosed on the drug. “This isn’t a medication usually linked to self-harm. More likely, he may have felt unwell, taken one or two tablets, and then consumed more, not realizing the consequences. Unfortunately, instead of seeking medical help, he may have relied on the medication.”
Medical sources note that ACE inhibitors regulate blood pressure by narrowing blood vessels. In cases of misuse, however, they can trigger dangerous cardiovascular reactions. “It’s not unusual for a 20-year-old to have hypertension if it runs in the family,” Dr. Sapeco added. “The tragedy here may lie in mismanagement of a health condition rather than suicide or drug abuse.”
Jain, a native of Lucknow, had been active on WhatsApp until 2:12 pm on the day of his death. Friends said he had played table tennis earlier that afternoon, and investigators found energy drinks in his room. Suicide was initially ruled out, leading to speculation about narcotics use — suspicions now dismissed by the latest report.
The case has nonetheless raised troubling questions about student health awareness and support systems on campus. Parents remain unconvinced that the institute is doing enough. “Drug or no drug, a child has died. Four deaths in less than a year should have forced a rethink long ago. We can’t accept half-measures when our children’s lives are at stake,” one parent said.
BITS Pilani Goa has set up a Special Review Committee of internal and external experts to look into student welfare and safety. But parents argue the panel is inadequate, lacking both an independent counselor and student representation.
While campus authorities await final forensic confirmation, Jain’s case is already being seen as more than a personal tragedy. It highlights the dangers of unsupervised self-medication and the urgent need for stronger health intervention systems in student hostels.
