IIT-Delhi suicide: Raging protests bring systemic issues under scanner

Protests at the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT)-Delhi entered their fourth day on Wednesday (August 25) as students continued to demand accountability over the death of 31-year-old M.Sc Physics student Rishikesh Kumar. On Saturday (August 22), Rishikesh allegedly died by suicide after jumping from the sixth floor of a building on the campus.

Kumar’s suicide on August 22 triggered widespread anger on campus. Students have demanded the resignation of the Dean, Associate Dean (Student Welfare), Associate Dean (Hostel Management), and Head of the Physics Department, besides an independent inquiry and compensation of at least Rs 1 crore for Kumar’s family.

The Delhi Police has registered a case of abetment to suicide against unknown persons in connection with the death. Officials said the case was registered in accordance with Supreme Court guidelines and that the circumstances surrounding the death and the possible role of others are being investigated. As per reports, the police had earlier stated that no suicide note was found at the spot of the incident. However, the student's phone was taken for examination.

Students reject institute’s response

By Tuesday morning (August 24), more than 500 students had gathered inside the Lecture Hall Complex, while another 2,000 assembled outside. Students held a candlelight vigil through the night and marched around the campus as the agitation continued.

Parts of the campus were cordoned off, with access to buildings and corridors restricted. Security personnel were instructed to restrict entry to technical staff, parents, students’ family members, and other visitors.

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The institute had announced an External Inquiry Committee, financial assistance through its benevolent fund, and a separate fund for voluntary contributions from students, faculty, and staff. However, students rejected the measures as inadequate and continued to press for resignations and a specific compensation package.

Students have also objected to the proposed inclusion of former Uttarakhand DGP Ashok Kumar on the inquiry panel, citing his past remarks about student protests. They want the inquiry headed by a retired Supreme Court or High Court judge.

Inquiry panel faces setback

IIT-Delhi Director Rangan Banerjee had said the committee would examine the circumstances leading to Kumar’s death and submit its report within two weeks. The proposed five-member panel included Ashok Kumar, AIIMS Delhi psychiatry department head Pratap Sharma, two student representatives, and the institute’s Registrar.

However, on Wednesday, Ashok Kumar recused himself as chairperson, citing prior commitments. The institute is expected to appoint a new chair. The panel’s composition had already faced objections from protesting students.

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Banerjee has also proposed appointing an external Ombudsperson to address unresolved grievances and introducing a mentor system linking students with faculty. Students, however, have said they want greater access to peers, fair academic opportunities, and a more empathetic campus environment.

Rishikesh Kumar’s case

Students have alleged that the institution failed to act and provide proper counselling to Rishikesh Kumar, who was allegedly going through a hard mental time after the death of his father.

The deceased student's brother has also accused the institution of mistreatment and apathy. Speaking to ANI over a phone call, he detailed the emotional sequence of events leading up to the death of his brother.

"My brother was very close to my father, who died in 2020 and he was heartbroken and fell into depression," the brother told ANI, noting that his brother's mental health struggles were well-established and severe, leading to previous warning signs.

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"My brother attempted suicide twice before taking the step," the brother said, adding that the IIT Delhi administration was not considerate to the student during his crisis and were "very rude”.

"They insulted my mother also, saying 'we look after 2,000 students at a time and you cannot handle one student," he added further.

The institute’s version

According to Banerjee, Kumar had joined the M.Sc Physics programme in July 2025 and was staying at Shivalik Hostel, with a strong academic record in his first semester. He was diagnosed with mental health issues in March 2026 and was advised by the institute’s counsellor and psychiatrist to remain under continuous parental supervision.

Also Read: IIT-Kharagpur: Student found hanging in hostel room

His request to withdraw from that semester was approved, and he moved off-campus to live with a parent. After returning to campus in July, his medical records were reviewed again, and he was once more advised to remain under parental supervision; he was living off-campus with his mother at the time of his death, and his request to withdraw from the current semester had since been approved by the Physics Department.

Renewed focus on student suicides

Kumar’s death has also revived concerns over student suicides at IIT-Delhi. There have been seven other student deaths by suicide since 2023, with academic pressure, examination failures, depression, and isolation emerging as recurring concerns in several cases.

An IIT-Delhi committee constituted in 2024 had earlier flagged post-coaching burnout, a grading system fostering toxic competitiveness, relentless academic demands, and caste- and gender-based discrimination as possible institutional stressors. Its report was submitted in August 2025 but was yet to receive a public response from the institute.

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Meanwhile, Congress leader Pawan Khera has called for an independent investigation into Kumar’s death and a comprehensive probe into student suicides across IITs over the past five years. Khera claimed that around 70 IIT students had died by suicide during the period and questioned whether the deaths reflected a wider systemic problem.

(Suicides can be prevented. For help please call Suicide Prevention Helplines: Neha Suicide Prevention Centre – 044-24640050; Aasara helpline for suicide prevention, emotional support & trauma help — +91-9820466726; Kiran, Mental health rehabilitation — 1800-599-0019, Disha 0471- 2552056, Maithri 0484 2540530, and Sneha’s suicide prevention helpline 044-24640050.)