Protests at IIT Delhi have continued since 24 August following the death of 31-year-old MSc Physics student Rishikesh Kumar, with students demanding an independent inquiry, resignations of senior officials, and ₹1 crore compensation for his family.
Rishikesh Kumar, a second-year MSc Physics student from Patna, died on 22 August after jumping from the sixth floor of IIT Delhi’s Lecture Hall Complex. He was 31. Earlier this year, fellow students had raised concerns about his well-being, following which he was referred to the institute hospital. No suicide note was recovered. Delhi Police registered an FIR under Section 108 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita. The police are examining his mobile phone and counselling records as part of the investigation.
Kumar’s family has alleged institutional negligence, claiming that the institute failed to respond adequately to repeated warnings about his mental health. His mother said he had spoken about intense emotional distress and suicidal thoughts a day before his death. His brother also alleged that the family had informed the institute about his suicidal tendencies. The family further claimed that Kumar had been denied a research project and hostel accommodation.
Protests began on 24 August and have continued daily, with students organising their demands under three heads: investigation, resignation, and compensation. They are seeking an independent inquiry, the resignation of the Dean and Associate Deans of Student Affairs, the Associate Dean of Hostel Management, and the Head of the Physics Department. They have also demanded ₹1 crore compensation for Kumar’s family and an independent mental health cell on campus.
The administration initially constituted a five-member external inquiry panel, but its proposed chairperson later recused himself. The panel was subsequently reconstituted with retired Delhi High Court judge Mukta Gupta as its head. Separately, IIT Delhi has appointed new deans and a new Head of the Physics Department, effective 1 September. Students, however, have said these appointments do not address their demand for accountability.
On 28 August, IIT Delhi Director Rangan Banerjee warned students of disciplinary action over what he described as “unsavoury, humiliating and threatening slogans” during a late-night demonstration near faculty housing. Students have rejected the characterisation, maintaining that the protest remained peaceful and that the slogans were aimed at faculty members to urge them to come out and support the protesters.
Abhishek Goverdhan
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Image source: iitd.ac.in
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