Now Reading: IIT Delhi forms probe panel after MSc student death, protests continue
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IIT Delhi forms probe panel after MSc student death, protests continue
IIT Delhi has constituted an external inquiry committee to investigate the death of M.Sc Physics student Rishikesh Kumar, who died after facing mental health issues. The panel, headed by former Uttarakhand DGP…
IIT Delhi has constituted an external inquiry committee to investigate the death of M.Sc Physics student Rishikesh Kumar, who died after facing mental health issues. The panel, headed by former Uttarakhand DGP Ashok Kumar and including AIIMS psychiatrist Prof Pratap Sharma and two student representatives, must submit its report within two weeks.
Students protesting on campus have rejected the committee as a routine and ineffective measure. They are demanding the resignation of the Dean of Student Affairs, Associate Deans, and the Physics HOD, as well as Rs 1 crore compensation for Kumar's family, NDTV reports. Protesters allege the institute's counselling system often dismisses genuine distress with advice like "just go rest."
The institute says Kumar had good academics, was diagnosed with mental health issues in March 2026, was advised parental supervision, and had his withdrawal from semesters approved. IIT Delhi plans to appoint an external ombudsperson and introduce a faculty-student mentoring system for students needing parental support.
Indian Opinion Analysis
Times Now's report details student allegations that the counselling system is a formality, while NDTV reports the specific compensation and resignation demands. The institute's statement emphasises the medical steps taken and new support plans, omitting direct response to the demand for resignations. The core tension is whether the inquiry committee addresses systemic failures or is a procedural response. The committee's report in two weeks will test the institute's commitment to reform.
Coverage: 3 sources, 1 government-critical, 2 neutral
Sources (3): timesnownews.com (government critical), ndtv.com (neutral report), ndtv.com (2) (neutral report)
This story was synthesised by AI from the 3 sources linked above.
