New Delhi, August 25: The tragic suicide of Rishikesh Kumar, a student at the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Delhi, has ignited widespread protests among students. Rishikesh, an MSc Physics student, took his own life by jumping from the sixth floor of the lecture hall complex on August 22.
According to police reports, Rishikesh entered the campus around 8 AM and was pronounced dead shortly after being taken to the IIT hospital. No suicide note was found, and 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. They expressed their grievances regarding the lack of hostel accommodation, which Rishikesh had struggled with. After failing to secure a room, he had to live off-campus with his mother, disrupting his academic projects and isolating him from his peers.
Students are calling for the resignation of the Dean of Student Affairs, the Associate Dean, and the head of the Physics Department. They are also demanding a compensation of ₹1 crore for Rishikesh’s family.
Rishikesh’s mental health reportedly deteriorated following the death of his father. Following the protests, IIT Delhi has formed a five-member external inquiry committee to investigate the circumstances surrounding his death and review institutional protocols.
His friends have shared that Rishikesh had been contemplating suicide for 10-12 days prior to the incident, feeling increasingly hopeless due to his accommodation issues.
Rishikesh’s mother has accused the hostel administration and the Dean of negligence, stating that the delays in room allocation and disrespect from the administration contributed to her son’s tragic decision. A formal complaint has been filed with the Kishangarh police station in South West Delhi.
This incident marks the second suicide at IIT Delhi this year, following the death of a first-year B.Tech student in March.
Additionally, students from Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) held a protest on August 23, demanding accountability for Rishikesh’s death and highlighting the need for better mental health support for students.
The protests have drawn attention to the ongoing issues of student welfare and mental health within educational institutions, with calls for the implementation of the proposed Rohith Act, aimed at preventing caste-based discrimination and harassment in colleges.