IIT Delhi Students Expand Protest Over MSc Student's Death, Seek Resignations

On Wednesday, the fourth day of the IIT Delhi protest over the death of MSc Physics student Rishikesh Kumar began. Students have decided to expand the campaign, seek support from alumni, and continue pressing the institute over their unmet demands.

Kumar, 31, is said to have died by suicide on Saturday after jumping from the sixth floor of a campus building. The Delhi Police have registered an FIR against unidentified individuals for allegedly aiding and abetting suicide.

Students seek resignations, probe, compensation

Students have demanded the resignation of the Dean, Associate Dean (Student Welfare), Associate Dean (Hostel Management), and Head of the Physics Department, as well as an independent investigation into Kumar's death and at least Rs 1 crore in compensation for his family.

According to the students, Kumar's death was the ninth suicide on campus since 2023.

On Tuesday, the administration decided to reconstitute the External Inquiry Committee set up to investigate the student's death, provide financial support through its charitable fund, and create a separate fund for voluntary contributions from staff, teachers, and students.

IIT Delhi outlines inquiry

The inquiry committee will look into the "circumstances leading to the tragedy" and submit its report within two weeks, according to Director Rangan Banerjee.

Banerjee said the institute would cover Kumar's family's medical expenses, provide assistance through the charitable fund, appoint an external Ombudsperson to address unresolved complaints, and implement a mentorship programme between staff and students.

However, the demands for resignations and a fixed compensation amount have not been accepted by the administration.

IIT-D warns students over class absences

Students had skipped most classes. The IIT-D management warned students over megaphones on Tuesday that persistent absences from classes could negatively affect their academic prospects.

Additionally, students stated that as the agitation continued, they expected attempts to provoke demonstrators.