New Delhi: The death of 31-year-old Rishikesh Kumar, an MSc Physics student at IIT Delhi, has triggered continued protests on campus, with students demanding accountability and an independent investigation into the circumstances surrounding his death.
Rishikesh allegedly died by suicide on August 22 after falling from the sixth floor of a building on the IIT Delhi campus. Police said no suicide note was found and that a mobile phone recovered from him is being examined.
Mother recalls his final conversation
Rishikesh’s mother Asha Poddar said her son had been struggling with mental health issues and had spoken to her about his distress the night before his death.
According to her account, he told her, “Mummy, I am hurting a lot,” and expressed fears and thoughts related to suicide. His brother Abhishek Kumar also said that Rishikesh had spoken about having suicidal thoughts and that the family had consulted a doctor.
The family said Rishikesh had faced several difficulties in his academic journey. He had earlier left NIT Rourkela following his father’s death and later completed his Physics graduation before joining IIT Delhi’s MSc programme.
Mental health concerns and academic withdrawal
IIT Delhi said Rishikesh joined its MSc Physics programme in July 2025. According to the institute, concerns about his mental health emerged in March this year, following which he was referred to the IIT Delhi Hospital and received psychiatric support.
The institute said he subsequently underwent treatment at a specialised hospital for about a month. He later sought withdrawal from the second semester, which was approved. His medical records were reviewed again in July, and medical advice was given that he continue to remain under parental supervision. His request to withdraw from the third semester was also approved.
Students continue protests
Students have been protesting since Monday, demanding an independent inquiry and accountability from the administration.
According to students, Rishikesh’s death was the eighth student suicide at IIT Delhi since 2023, although this figure is based on student claims and has not been independently established as a single official count. They have demanded the resignation of senior officials, including Associate Dean of Student Welfare Prof. Sreedevi Upadhyaula, and compensation for Rishikesh’s family.
The protests continued into Tuesday night, with students gathering at different locations on campus. IIT Delhi Director Rangan Banerjee met student representatives and announced that an inquiry committee would be constituted. He did not accept the demand for Prof. Sreedevi’s resignation.
IIT Delhi forms external inquiry committee
Amid the protests, IIT Delhi has constituted a five-member external inquiry committee to examine the circumstances surrounding Rishikesh’s death. The institute has also announced plans to appoint an external ombudsperson to address unresolved student grievances and strengthen the mentor system for students requiring parental supervision.
Police have also registered a case of abetment to suicide against unknown persons, indicating that investigators are examining whether anyone’s actions may have contributed to the student’s death.
Debate over politicisation of protest
While students continue to demand an independent probe, some students have expressed concern about what they describe as attempts to politicise the campus protest.
A second-year BTech student told The Times of India that the protest should remain focused on justice for Rishikesh and student welfare, rather than becoming a political movement. The student contrasted IIT Delhi’s campus culture with universities such as JNU and DU, arguing that outside political influence could undermine the original purpose of the protest.
The investigation and external inquiry are now expected to examine the circumstances surrounding Rishikesh’s death, his mental-health treatment, his academic and residential arrangements, and the concerns raised by students and his family.
