🔴 By | Arvind Jadhav
New Delhi: A major student protest at the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Delhi has brought the institute’s student welfare system under intense scrutiny following the death of 31-year-old MSc Physics student Rishikesh Kumar.
The latest incident has triggered a rare campus-wide agitation, with students highlighting that eight students have died by suicide at IIT Delhi over the past three years/around 30 months, according to reports cited during the protests.
🟡 Students Demand Justice and Accountability
Hundreds of students have participated in protests and sit-ins, demanding an independent investigation into Rishikesh Kumar’s death.
The protesters have also raised concerns about academic pressure, student accommodation, administrative support and the effectiveness of the institute’s grievance-redressal and counselling mechanisms.
Students are demanding accountability from officials and have sought ₹1 crore compensation for the student’s family, along with stronger institutional safeguards.
🟡 Kejriwal Calls Situation “Alarming”
AAP national convenor and former Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal expressed deep concern over Rishikesh Kumar’s death and backed the demand for an impartial investigation.
Kejriwal said there must be a fair and time-bound investigation and that all concerns raised by students should be addressed. He also pointed to data indicating that more than 65 IIT students have died by suicide over the past five years, describing the situation as alarming.
Kejriwal argued that the success of IITs should not be measured only through rankings, grades and placements. He stressed the need to ensure that students have access to support, someone willing to listen to them and a safe environment in which they can seek help during difficult periods.
🟡 IIT Delhi Forms External Inquiry Panel
Amid the growing protests, IIT Delhi constituted a five-member external inquiry committee to examine the circumstances surrounding Kumar’s death and review the functioning of relevant administrative systems.
However, student protesters objected to the composition of the initial panel, particularly over the inclusion of former Uttarakhand DGP Ashok Kumar. Following the students’ objections, the institute agreed to reconstitute the inquiry panel.
🟡 Police Investigation Also Underway
The Delhi Police has registered a case relating to alleged abetment to suicide against unidentified persons. Investigators are examining the circumstances surrounding the death and relevant records as part of the probe.
🟡 IIT Delhi Under Growing Pressure
The protest has now moved beyond the latest death and developed into a wider debate over student welfare at one of India’s most prestigious institutions.
For the protesting students, the central question is no longer only what happened to Rishikesh Kumar, but why eight student deaths have occurred at IIT Delhi in such a short period and whether existing support systems are sufficient to protect students in distress.
The reconstituted inquiry panel, the police investigation and the administration’s response to the students’ demands are now being closely watched.
