The situation at the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Delhi has become tense following the suicide of one of its students. Protesting students took to the streets, demanding an independent investigation into the incident, administrative accountability, and payment of 10 million rupees to the deceased's family.
Students expressed strong indignation and insisted on the immediate resignation of the Dean of Student Affairs, as well as the Deputy Deans (ADSW and ADHM) and the Head of the Physics Department.
According to the students, the student affairs office subjected Rishikesh to moral condemnation. The refusal to provide him with hostel accommodation, the inability to obtain a project, and administrative decisions put psychological pressure on the student, which affected his dignity.
The protesters insist on an impartial review of all circumstances leading up to Rishikesh's death. They believe it is necessary to examine how staff attitudes influenced the student. Furthermore, they demand an investigation into issues related to the denial of housing, project blocking, and the unconstructive attitude of the hospital administration.
Students questioned the mental health system at the institute, posing questions to the student counseling service, the dean, and the director. They claim that eight cases of student suicides have occurred on the IIT Delhi campus in the last 30 months. They demand the public release of the full report from the mental health expert committee and the measures adopted based on it.
Students demanded an immediate suspension of all academic classes, including events in the campus lecture halls. They believe that studies cannot continue normally after the death of a comrade. Additionally, a demand was made to pay Rishikesh's family compensation of 10 million rupees and not take any action against the protesting students. The administration was given an ultimatum to respond by Monday.