Source : INDIA TODAY NEWS
IIT Delhi has announced an external inquiry into the death of MSc Physics student Rishikesh Kumar, a day after students protested on campus demanding an independent and transparent investigation.
IIT Delhi Director Prof. Ranjan Banerjee said the inquiry committee would examine all aspects related to Kumar’s death and submit its report within two weeks. The committee will include former Uttarakhand Director General of Police Ashok Kumar, Prof. Pratap Sharma, head of psychiatry at AIIMS Delhi, a student representative and the IIT Delhi Registrar.
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The institute has also announced financial assistance for Kumar’s family, reimbursement of medical expenses incurred during his treatment and measures aimed at strengthening the system for addressing student grievances.
According to the institute, Kumar joined the MSc Physics programme in July 2025 and lived at Shivalik Hostel.
His academic performance during the first semester was described as good. The institute said mental health concerns emerged in March 2026, following which its counsellor and psychiatrist advised him to remain under continuous parental supervision.
With the institute’s permission, Kumar subsequently withdrew from the second semester and moved off campus to live with his guardian, the institute said.
Kumar returned to campus in July 2026. Following a review of his medical records, the institute said he was again advised to remain under parental supervision. The Physics Department subsequently approved his request to withdraw from the third semester.
The announcements came after students held a protest following Kumar’s death and raised questions about the institute’s handling of the matter. Students had demanded an independent inquiry and greater accountability from the institute administration.
IIT Delhi said it would reimburse medical expenses incurred during Kumar’s treatment and provide financial assistance to his family through its Benevolent Fund. It also announced plans to establish a new voluntary fund to support the family.
As part of broader measures concerning student welfare, the institute said it would create the position of an Ombudsperson to address pending student grievances. It has also proposed introducing a new mentor system for students requiring mental health support.
However, the institute’s statement did not address one of the key demands raised by protesting students, the resignation of the Dean of Student Affairs, the Associate Deans and the Head of the Physics Department.
The external committee’s report is now expected to come under close scrutiny. Its findings will be significant in establishing the sequence of events surrounding Kumar’s death and assessing the institutional response, including the support and interventions provided to him before his death.
IIT Delhi has said the committee will complete its inquiry within two weeks.
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SOURCE :- TIMES OF INDIA
