Indian student, ex-NITI Aayog official, dies in London

An Indian student died in London after being run over by a truck on March 19.

The 33-year-old deceased, identified as Cheistha Kochhar, was doing her PhD at the London School of Economics. She has earlier worked at NITI Aayog. Kochar was hit by a garbage truck while she was cycling home.

Former NITI Aayog CEO Amitabh Kant posted about the incident on X saying, "Cheistha Kochar worked with me on the #LIFE programme in @NITIAayog. She was in the #Nudge unit and had gone to do her Ph.D in behavioural 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.”

Her husband Prashant, who was cycling ahead of her during the accident, rushed her to the hospital where she was declared dead.

The driver of the truck, who was stopped at the scene, is currently helping police with enquiries. So far, no arrest has been made.