IIT Delhi students protest on campus; demand probe into MSc student's death, seek Rs 1 crore compensation for family
PTC News Desk: The students of IIT Delhi on Monday cancelled classes and staged a protest on the campus demanding independent investigation into alleged administrative lapses linked to death of MSc Physics student Rishikesh.
The students demanded the resignation of the Dean and Associate Deans (ADSW and ADHM) in the Student Affairs Office, as well as the Head of the Department of Physics.
The students have also demanded Rs 1 crore compensation for victim's family.
Media personnel have been stopped from entering the IIT Delhi campus as students continued their protest following the death of a fellow student. They have also demanded that all academic activities be suspended, saying there can be “no business as usual” until their concerns are addressed.
The students have called for better mental health support and a stronger system to help students facing difficulties. They have also demanded compensation of Rs 1 crore for the deceased student's family.
The student, Rishikesh Kumar, died on Saturday after falling from the sixth floor of the Lecture Hall Complex (LHC) at IIT Delhi. Delhi Police said they received a PCR call about the incident at around 8.33 am on August 22.
Students seek independent inquiry
In a letter to the IIT Delhi administration, students criticised the Student Affairs Office over its alleged treatment of Rishikesh. They said judging or profiling a student should have no place in an educational institution and alleged that such treatment can affect students' access to facilities and opportunities, while also harming their dignity.
The students had asked the institute to suspend classes at the Lecture Hall Complex and across the campus on Monday, August 24, 2026. They said classes should not continue as if nothing had happened after the student's death.
They also called for an independent investigation into alleged administrative lapses. According to the students, these lapses may have contributed to Rishikesh feeling helpless and isolated. They demanded that anyone found responsible be held accountable and called for justice for Rishikesh.
- PTC NEWS
