Now Reading: IIT Delhi sets up inquiry panel after student’s death, skips Dean question
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IIT Delhi sets up inquiry panel after student’s death, skips Dean question
IIT Delhi sets up inquiry panel after student’s death, skips Dean question
IIT Delhi has formed an external inquiry committee to investigate the death of M.Sc Physics student Rishikesh Kumar, who died in March 2026 after developing mental health issues. The panel is headed…
IIT Delhi has formed an external inquiry committee to investigate the death of M.Sc Physics student Rishikesh Kumar, who died in March 2026 after developing mental health issues. The panel is headed by former Uttarakhand DGP Ashok Kumar and includes an AIIMS Delhi psychiatrist and two student representatives. It must submit a report in two weeks.
Students protesting on campus have rejected the committee, calling it a routine response that does not address underlying problems. They are demanding the resignation of the Dean of Student Affairs, Associate Deans, and the Physics HOD. Protesters also criticised the institute's counselling system, alleging distress is often dismissed with basic advice. The administration has not responded to the resignation demand. Separately, IIT Delhi announced financial support for Kumar's family and plans to appoint an external ombudsperson for grievances.
Indian Opinion Analysis
IIT Delhi has faced repeated student deaths by suicide, with at least three reported since 2022, each followed by similar committee formation and assurance of reforms. The institute's own data shows the counselling centre handled 1,200 visits in 2024 but has no 24-hour helpline. Student bodies across IITs have long demanded ombudspersons with independent powers, not faculty-adjunct roles. The key next step is whether the external committee's report, due in two weeks, will recommend systemic changes to the academic pressure and hostel culture rather than case-specific fixes. The protesting students' core demand, the Dean's resignation, remains unaddressed.
Source: timesnownews.com
This story was synthesised by AI from the source linked above.
