Indian Student Dies in London Road Accident
London, March 26 – Cheista Kochhar, a 33-year-old Indian Ph.D. student at the London School of Economics (LSE), tragically lost her life in a road accident. She was cycling home when a truck collided with her near LSE, resulting in her immediate demise.
Cheista, originally from Bareilly, Uttar Pradesh, relocated to London last September to pursue her doctoral studies. Before her academic pursuits, she had worked at NITI Aayog and the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation. Cheista’s brilliance and dedication were widely recognized, making her loss deeply felt.
The accident, which claimed Cheista’s life, happened on March 19 as she cycled home from LSE, where she was enrolled in a Ph.D. program in behavioral science. The collision occurred with a lorry, leading to her unfortunate demise. The truck driver has been cooperative in the ensuing investigation, although no arrests have been made yet. Cheista’s untimely passing has left her family and community in mourning.
Former CEO of NITI Aayog, Amitabh Kant, expressed his grief over Cheista’s demise, reminiscing about her contributions to the LIFE program at NITI Aayog. He wrote in his Twitter post -“Cheistha Kochar worked with me on the #LIFE program in @NITIAayog. She was in the #Nudge unit and had gone to do her Ph.D. in behavioral science at #LSE. Passed away in a terrible traffic incident while cycling in London. She was bright, brilliant & brave, and always full of life. Gone away too early. RIP.” Cheista’s academic journey included stints at Delhi University, the University of Chicago, Ashoka University, and the University of Pennsylvania. Her father, who is in London, conveyed the devastating news, reflecting on his daughter’s intelligence, hard work, and kindness.
The possibility of repatriating Cheista’s remains to India is under consideration by her family. This decision weighs heavy on them as they grapple with the profound loss of a beloved daughter and wife. As her family mourns and contemplates the next steps, Cheista’s memory remains a testament to her remarkable life and contributions.
