‘8 deaths’: Rare protest at IIT Delhi after student’s suicide sparks anger - The Indian Express

**IIT Delhi Campus Erupts in Protest After MSc Student’s Suicide**

New Delhi – A rare and highly visible protest unfolded on the Indian Institute of Technology Delhi (IIT‑Delhi) campus on Monday, following the suicide of 23‑year‑old MSc student Rishikesh Kumar. Kumar, a second‑year student in the Department of Biosciences, was found dead in his hostel room on 22 March, a tragedy that has sparked accusations of institutional neglect from his peers and family. According to statements released by the student’s brother, Rishikesh had been denied a hostel berth for months, was repeatedly isolated from group projects, and was forced to work on solitary laboratory assignments—conditions his relatives claim contributed to his deteriorating mental health. The Indian Express, The Hindu and ThePrint have all reported that classmates observed Kumar’s growing distress but felt unable to secure timely assistance from campus counseling services.

In response to mounting pressure, IIT‑Delhi announced the formation of a five‑member expert panel to investigate the circumstances surrounding the death. The panel, chaired by former Supreme Court judge Justice (Retd.) B.N. Srikrishna and comprising senior academics and mental‑health professionals, is tasked with reviewing hostel allocation policies, the institute’s mental‑health infrastructure, and the supervision of laboratory projects. However, the protestors—estimated at several dozen students—demanded more immediate action, calling for a transparent audit of all student welfare mechanisms and the resignation of senior administrators they allege had ignored warning signs. The demonstration, marked by banners reading “No More Silence” and “Justice for Rishikesh,” quickly drew media attention and prompted the Delhi Police to register an FIR under sections related to negligence and wrongful confinement.

The episode has reignited a broader debate about the rising incidence of student suicides across premier Indian institutions, with reports indicating eight deaths in the past year at IIT‑Delhi alone. Educational watchdogs and mental‑health NGOs have urged the Ministry of Education to enforce stricter guidelines on student support services. While IIT‑Delhi’s administration has pledged to implement the panel’s recommendations within three months, the campus community remains skeptical, insisting that systemic changes—rather than isolated inquiries—are essential to prevent further tragedies. The coming weeks will reveal whether the institute’s remedial measures can restore confidence among its students and stakeholders.

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