New Delhi, August 25: The tragic suicide of Rishikesh Kumar, a student at the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Delhi, has led to widespread protests among students over hostel accommodation issues. Kumar, a Master’s student in Physics, took his life by jumping from the sixth floor of the lecture hall complex on August 22.
According to police reports, Kumar entered the campus around 8 AM and was pronounced dead shortly after being taken to the IIT hospital. No suicide note was found at the scene, but his mobile phone has been seized for investigation.
In response to the incident, students began protesting outside the lecture hall complex on August 24, demanding accountability from the administration and boycotting classes. Many students gathered to express their grief and anger over the circumstances surrounding Kumar’s death.
Struggles with Hostel Accommodation
Reports indicate that Kumar was distressed due to not being allotted a hostel room. After multiple unsuccessful attempts to secure accommodation, he had to live off-campus with his mother, which disrupted his studies and projects. Students argue that this separation from their peers and campus support systems contributed to his mental distress.
Protesters are calling for the resignation of the Dean of Student Affairs, the Associate Dean, and the Head of the Physics Department, along with a demand for ₹1 crore in compensation for Kumar’s family.
Mental Health Concerns
Following the protests, IIT Delhi has formed a five-member external committee to investigate the circumstances of Kumar’s death. The committee will engage with students, faculty, and administrative officials and is expected to submit its report within two weeks.
Students have raised concerns regarding the administration’s handling of Kumar’s mental health, particularly following the death of his father, which reportedly affected his well-being.
Allegations from Family
Kumar’s mother, Asha Poddar, has accused the IIT Delhi administration of negligence and disrespect regarding the hostel allotment process, claiming that the delays and lack of support contributed to her son’s tragic decision. A formal complaint has been lodged with the Kishangarh police station in South West Delhi.
Second Suicide Incident This Year
This incident marks the second suicide at IIT Delhi this year, following the death of a first-year B.Tech student in March. The increasing number of student suicides has raised alarms about mental health and support systems within the institute.
Protests Extend to JNU
On August 23, students from Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) also held protests outside IIT Delhi, demanding accountability for Kumar’s death and highlighting the need for better mental health support for students.
JNUSU Secretary Sunil Yadav emphasized the importance of holding institutions accountable for student safety and mental health, linking the issue to broader concerns about discrimination and the need for legislative measures like the Rohith Act, aimed at preventing caste-based discrimination in educational institutions.