1 week ago
IIT Delhi Student Deaths Spur Protests Over Campus Stress
Eight IIT Delhi students, including Rishikesh, have died by suicide since 2023, according to the report.
Rishikesh was a 31-year-old MSc Physics student who allegedly jumped from a campus building on Saturday.
His death led to large protests by students.
They want some institute officials to resign and are asking for an independent investigation and compensation for his family.
Earlier cases involved students facing failed exams, delayed graduation, depression or other difficulties.
A previous committee also mentioned intense academic pressure, unhealthy competition and discrimination.
IIT Delhi has created a new committee to investigate Rishikesh’s death.
The Delhi Police is also investigating, while the institute has offered financial assistance.
The death of 31-year-old MSc Physics student Rishikesh has brought renewed attention to student stress at IIT Delhi.
Seven other IIT Delhi students have died by suicide since 2023, with cases involving academic pressure, exam failures, depression and isolation.
Students are demanding the resignation of a Dean and Associate Deans, an independent inquiry and compensation for Rishikesh’s family.
An earlier IIT Delhi committee cited post-coaching burnout, competitive grading, relentless academic demands, and caste- and gender-based discrimination as concerns.
IIT Delhi has formed an External Inquiry Committee and announced financial assistance, while Delhi Police investigates a case of alleged abetment of suicide.
- Who
- IIT Delhi students, including 31-year-old MSc Physics student Rishikesh, along with the institute administration and Delhi Police.
- What
- Eight student suicides have been reported at IIT Delhi since 2023, prompting protests and renewed scrutiny of campus conditions.
- Where
- IIT Delhi’s campus in Delhi; one student, Pranav Jain, died at his home in East Delhi.
- When
- Since 2023; Rishikesh’s death occurred on the Saturday described in the report, while the other deaths were reported between July 2023 and March 2026.
- Why
- Reported and committee-identified concerns include academic pressure, exam failures, delayed graduation, depression, isolation, competitive grading, and caste- and gender-based discrimination.
Students’ Demands
Institute Response
Accountability
Students’ Demands
Protesting students are demanding the resignation of a Dean and Associate Deans, indicating that they want institutional officials held responsible.
Institute Response
IIT Delhi has not agreed to the resignation demands and has instead announced an External Inquiry Committee.
Investigation
Students’ Demands
Students are seeking an independent inquiry into the circumstances surrounding Rishikesh’s death.
Institute Response
The institute has formed a five-member panel, while Delhi Police is separately investigating an FIR for alleged abetment of suicide.
Financial support
Students’ Demands
Students are demanding a specific compensation package for Rishikesh’s family.
Institute Response
IIT Delhi has announced assistance through its benevolent fund and a separate fund supported by voluntary contributions, but has not agreed to the specific compensation demand.
Key facts
- Reported deaths
- Eight IIT Delhi student suicides since 2023, including Rishikesh.
- Latest death
- Rishikesh, a 31-year-old MSc Physics student, allegedly died after jumping from a sixth-floor campus building.
- Student demands
- Resignations of a Dean and Associate Deans, an independent inquiry, and compensation for Rishikesh’s family.
- Earlier committee concerns
- Post-coaching burnout, toxic competitiveness linked to grading, relentless academic demands, and caste- and gender-based discrimination.
- New inquiry panel
- A five-member External Inquiry Committee includes Ashok Kumar, Pratap Sharma, two student representatives, and the IIT Delhi Registrar.
- Police action
- Delhi Police has registered an FIR for alleged abetment of suicide and begun an investigation.
- Institute assistance
- IIT Delhi announced financial assistance through its benevolent fund and a separate voluntary-contribution fund.
Quotes
Ayush Ashna’s relative
Relative of Ayush Ashna, an IIT Delhi student who died in 2023
“We think he was upset because his exam results had come, and he didn’t do well in one-two papers. He refused to talk to anyone. We got scared and came to Delhi yesterday. We found that his hostel room was locked and there was no response when we knocked on the door.”
indianexpress.com
“Lalla, did you eat on time? And how long before you get your degree?”
indianexpress.com
Sources
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