IIT Delhi Cancels Classes After Students Demand Probe Into Scholar's Death
New Delhi, August 24: The Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Delhi cancelled all classes on Monday after students staged a protest demanding an independent probe into the death of Rishikesh, a 31-year-old MSc Physics student. The students also sought the resignation of senior officials and compensation of Rs 1 crore for the family.
The protest comes amid allegations of administrative lapses that students say may have contributed to Rishikesh's death. The demonstrators demanded the resignation of the Dean and Associate Deans (Student Welfare and Hostel Management) in the Student Affairs Office, as well as the Head of the Department of Physics.
In a letter to the administration, students cited the rejection of academic projects, accommodation-related problems, and inadequate support systems as factors that may have caused distress to the student. They condemned the Student Affairs Office's treatment of Rishikesh, stating that "moral profiling of a student deserves no place in a scientific and public institution." The letter argued that such actions hinder access to resources and opportunities, including housing, and harm the dignity of bona fide students.
The Deputy Registrar, in a communication to students and faculty, said, "Due to unavoidable circumstances, all classes scheduled for today, 24 August 2026, stand cancelled." Students had called for the cancellation, insisting that classes should not continue "as though the death of a student had not occurred." They wrote, "Students should not be made to go back to LHC thinking it is business as usual. The system needs to take a PAUSE."
Demanding justice, the students called for an independent investigation into alleged lapses by the administration that, they said, left Rishikesh feeling helpless and isolated. They urged that administrators and staff found culpable be held accountable. The letter also asked the competent authority to address how non-allocation of housing, denial of academic projects, and an unsupportive hospital administration, within a larger competitive academic environment, can cause or exacerbate mental distress.
The students further demanded clear disclosure of the institute's mental health protocol for students seeking counselling. They highlighted the proactive role of the Student Affairs Office in removing students with a history of mental issues from the campus. The letter sought clarity on how cases of students in mental distress are handled administratively, including the roles of the Student Counseling Services, the Associate Dean Student Welfare, the Dean, and the Director.
Referring to several deaths by suicide on campus in the last 30 months, the students described the pattern as indicative of a "systematic problem." They demanded communication on all steps taken to address mental health concerns, including compliance with the Expert Committee Report on Students' Mental Well-being on Campus.
On compensation, the students demanded that Rishikesh's family receive Rs 1 crore as adequate and compassionate compensation. They also asked that no action be taken against any student participating in protests related to the death, and that the administration issue an official statement on these demands.
The incident has reignited discussions about student welfare and mental health support at premier institutions. IIT Delhi has not yet issued an official response to the demands beyond the class cancellation notice.
