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IIT Delhi forms probe panel after student suicide amid protests
IIT Delhi has constituted an external inquiry committee into the death of M.Sc Physics student Rishikesh Kumar, who died on campus after a history of mental health issues. The committee, headed by…
IIT Delhi has constituted an external inquiry committee into the death of M.Sc Physics student Rishikesh Kumar, who died on campus after a history of mental health issues. The committee, headed by former Uttarakhand DGP Ashok Kumar, includes an AIIMS psychiatrist and two student representatives. It has two weeks to submit its report.
Student protesters have rejected the panel, calling it a routine response that does not address systemic problems. They are demanding the resignation of the Dean of Student Affairs, Associate Deans, and the Physics Head of Department. The institute has also announced financial support for the family and plans to appoint an external ombudsperson and a mentoring system for students needing parental support.
Kumar joined the programme in July 2025 and had a good first semester. After developing mental health issues in March 2026, he was advised parental supervision and withdrew from two semesters. His medical records were reviewed upon return in July 2026, and he was again advised to stay with a parent.
Indian Opinion Analysis
Student suicides on IIT campuses have been a recurring issue, with the IIT Council in 2023 directing all IITs to strengthen mental health support systems. The formation of an external inquiry committee is a standard institutional response, but student trust in such panels remains low after past incidents. The demand for the Dean's resignation reflects a deeper grievance about accountability and administrative responsiveness. The real test will be whether the committee's recommendations, due in two weeks, lead to structural changes in how IIT Delhi handles mental health crises, or whether students view it as another empty exercise.
Source: timesnownews.com
This story was synthesised by AI from the source linked above.
