IIT Delhi forms external inquiry committee to probe student's death: ‘Profound sorrow, deep shock’ | India News - Hindustan Times

**IIT Delhi Sets Up External Inquiry Committee Following Student’s Death**

New Delhi – The Indian Institute of Technology Delhi (IIT‑D) announced on Tuesday that it has constituted an independent external inquiry committee to investigate the death of a first‑year postgraduate student, Rishikesh Kumar, whose body was found on the campus on March 27. The panel, chaired by former Supreme Court judge Justice (Retd.) B. N. Srikrishna and comprising senior academic and mental‑health experts from outside the institute, will examine the circumstances leading up to the tragedy, including any lapses in counseling, hostel management, and academic supervision. In a statement released by the institute’s director, Prof. N. P. Singh, the administration expressed “profound sorrow and deep shock” at the loss and pledged full cooperation with the committee’s findings.

The decision comes amid mounting unrest on the IIT‑Delhi campus, where students have staged sit‑ins and marches demanding greater transparency and robust mental‑health support. Earlier this week, the Delhi Police lodged a First Information Report (FIR) alleging “abetment of suicide” against certain faculty members and staff, citing testimonies that the deceased had been isolated in laboratory projects and denied accommodation in the Rishikesh Kumar hostel despite repeated pleas from his family. The institute has denied these allegations, asserting that Kumar was never denied hostel facilities and that his research assignments were consistent with standard academic practice.

Mental‑health advocates and alumni have criticized IIT‑Delhi for what they describe as a systemic neglect of student wellbeing, pointing to a pattern of limited counseling resources and a high‑pressure academic environment. The external committee’s mandate includes reviewing existing mental‑health policies, assessing the adequacy of counseling services, and recommending corrective measures to prevent future incidents. A final report is expected within six weeks, after which the institute has promised to implement any recommended reforms and to make the findings publicly available.