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IIT Delhi has formed an external inquiry panel after M.Sc. student Rishikesh Kumar’s death, following campus protests and demands for an independent probe.
IIT Delhi campus. The institute has constituted an external inquiry committee to investigate the circumstances surrounding the death of M.Sc. student Rishikesh Kumar. (IMAGE: PTI FILE)
IIT Delhi on Tuesday constituted a five-member external inquiry committee to investigate the circumstances surrounding the death of M.Sc. Physics student Rishikesh Kumar, following protests on campus in which students demanded an independent probe and questioned the institute’s handling of student welfare.
Kumar, 31, died on August 22 after falling from the sixth floor of the Lecture Hall Complex at IIT Delhi. Police are investigating the circumstances of his death and have said that no suicide note was recovered. An FIR relating to abetment of suicide has also been registered, according to reports.
The institute announced the external inquiry after hundreds of students gathered on campus on August 24, demanding accountability and an independent investigation. Classes were suspended amid the protests, with students also seeking compensation for Kumar’s family and action against senior administrators.
IIT-D’s Account Of Rishikesh Kumar’s Medical Support
In its statement, IIT Delhi said Kumar joined the institute in July 2025 and was initially residing in a hostel on campus. It described him as an academically bright student.
The institute said concerns about his wellbeing were raised by fellow students a few days after Holi earlier this year. He was taken to the IIT Delhi Hospital in an institute ambulance, where he was assessed and supported by the institute psychiatrist.
According to IIT Delhi, Kumar’s family subsequently said they wanted to take him to a specialised hospital. He then underwent about one month of inpatient treatment there before being discharged.
Kumar later sought withdrawal from the January-May 2026 semester, which the institute approved.
IIT Delhi said his medical records were reviewed again in July, when he was advised to remain under parental supervision. He received counselling and treatment support from an institute counsellor and doctor in July and August, and his request to withdraw from the July-November semester was also approved.
Students Raise Questions Over Institutional Support
Students protesting after Kumar’s death have raised a different set of questions, alleging that administrative decisions concerning his hostel accommodation, academic work and welfare support need to be examined.
They have alleged that Kumar faced difficulties securing hostel accommodation despite his mental-health struggles and questioned whether the institute adequately supported him after his return. Students have also demanded the resignation of senior officials responsible for student welfare and the Physics Department.
Some protesters have described Kumar’s death as part of a wider concern over student deaths at IIT Delhi and demanded a review of the institute’s mental-health and welfare systems. Reports citing students say they are seeking ₹1 crore compensation for Kumar’s family and assurances against punitive action over the protests.
These allegations have not been established by the ongoing investigation.
Five-Member Panel To Examine Death, Institutional Systems
The external committee will include former Uttarakhand DGP Ashok Kumar, an IIT Delhi alumnus and Vice Chancellor of Sports University Haryana; Professor Pratap Sharma, head of psychiatry at AIIMS New Delhi; two student representatives; and the IIT Delhi Registrar, who will serve as secretary and convenor.
The committee has been asked to speak to relevant students and faculty members, examine the functioning of concerned administrative offices, review existing protocols and processes, and make recommendations.
IIT Delhi has asked the panel to submit its report within two weeks.
IIT-D To Set Up External Ombudsperson
Alongside the inquiry, the institute has proposed appointing an external ombudsperson to deal with student grievances that remain unresolved through existing internal mechanisms.
It has also said it will introduce an additional support system involving faculty and student mentors for students who require parental support.
The institute said it would provide financial assistance to Kumar’s family, including reimbursement of medical expenses and support from its benevolent fund. It also plans to create a separate fund through voluntary contributions from faculty, students and staff.
IIT Delhi Details Existing Mental Health System
IIT Delhi said it has been strengthening its mental-health support system and currently provides access to empanelled counsellors, whose costs are reimbursed by the institute.
It said there are also 15 on-campus counsellors, one full-time psychiatrist and two part-time psychiatrists, including one each from AIIMS and VIMHANS, with treatment costs borne by the institute.
The institute said the external inquiry is intended not only to examine the circumstances surrounding Kumar’s death but also to identify any further measures needed to strengthen student support systems.
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Key Questions Answered
Ask News18IIT Delhi plans to appoint an external Ombudsperson to address student grievances that are not resolved through existing internal mechanisms.
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Shankhyaneel Sarkar is a chief sub editor at News18. He covers international affairs, where he focuses on breaking news to in-depth analyses. He has over seven years of experience during which he has …Read More
August 25, 2026, 8:12 PM IST
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