Indian PhD Student Dies in London While Cycling Back Home from University

Former Niti Aayog employee, who is pursuing PhD in Behavioural Science from the London School of Economics, died in a freak road accident in Central London. She is identified as Cheista Kochchar. 33-year-old Cheista was cycling back home from the university when she was run over by a speeding truck resulting in fatal injuries. She lost her life on the spot. This gruesome incident took place on 19th March. However, London police have not made any arrests so far. Police have appealed for eyewitnesses of the accident.

Cheista is the daughter of retired Lieutenant General Dr SP Kochhar, Director General at the Cellular Operators Association of India (COAI). Cheista's husband Prashanth was also there when the accident happened. It was sad that she died before she could be rescued.

Father SP Kochchar expressed his emotions on LinkedIn, mentioning that he is currently in London, where he is trying to gather the remains of his daughter, Cheistha Kochhar.

"She was run over by a truck on 19 Mar while cycling back from LSE, where she was doing her PhD. It has devastated us and her large circle of friends. If you have had any memories with her and if you wish to share them, you may do so at the following link. Can be testimonials, photos, videos or stories. You may even share this with others if you desire," father SP Kochchar wrote alongside a link to a memorials page.

According to her friends and colleagues, Chesita was a brilliant student and extremely passionate about her studies.