IIT-Delhi has set up an external panel to investigate circumstances that led to death of student allegedly by suicide, officials informed. An external ombudsperson will be appointed to address student grievances that remain unresolved through existing internal mechanisms, the institute said.
IIT Delhi Director Rangan Banerjee announced the external inquiry committee. The announcement was made following a day of student protests over the death of MSc Physics student Rishikesh Kumar.
Committee to Probe Death, Submit Report in Two Weeks
The external panel comprises ex-Uttarakhand DGP Ashok Kumar, AIIMS Delhi psychiatry head Prof Pratap Sharma, student representatives and a Registrar. The institute will reimburse medical costs, use benevolent fund, and open new voluntary fund for the family.
Director Banerjee also said that Rishikesh Kumar had joined the MSc Physics program in July 2025 and was staying in the Shivalik hostel. He performed well academically in his first semester before developing mental health issues in March 2026.
He was advised by the institute’s counselor and psychiatrist to remain under continuous parental supervision, following which he withdrew from his second semester with the institute’s approval and moved off-campus to live with his parent.
He returned to campus in July 2026, but after his medical records were reviewed again, was advised to continue under parental supervision.
Director said his subsequent request to withdraw from the third semester was also approved by the Physics Department.