IIT Delhi students boycott classes, demand probe into MSc student's death

Students at the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Delhi on Monday boycotted classes and staged a protest demanding an independent investigation into the death of a 31-year-old MSc student, whose body was found on campus two days earlier. The protesters alleged administrative lapses and urged the institute to suspend classes at the Lecture Hall Complex (LHC), where the body was discovered.

In a note submitted to IIT Delhi Director Rangan Banerjee, the students said, "Students should not be made to go back to the LHC thinking it is business as usual. The system needs to take a pause." They also called for the resignation of two administrative officials over what they described as "negligence and insensitive comments."

Speaking on condition of anonymity, a student alleged that the administration had been portraying the deceased as mentally unwell instead of taking responsibility. "The administration has been telling us that he was mentally unwell and that the psychiatrists could not do anything to help him, instead of taking accountability. He had been referred to VIMHANS for treatment, after which he was not allocated his hostel room back. He was staying off campus, and this put him under a lot of financial distress," the student said.

The students' note also demanded that the competent authority explain how issues such as non-allocation of hostel accommodation, denial of academic projects, and an unsupportive hospital administration within a highly competitive academic environment could cause or exacerbate mental distress among students. They asked for clear communication on measures taken to address mental health on campus, pointing out that "in the last 30 months, eight IIT Delhi students died by suicide on campus. This pattern points to a systemic problem."

Classes were reportedly called off by midday as students gathered at the LHC. The protesters also demanded that no action be taken against those participating in the demonstration.

On Saturday night, the institute expressed condolences over the student's death and said the police were investigating the incident. When contacted, IIT Delhi officials did not respond to queries about the protest, the allegations, or the students' demands.

The death has reignited discussions about mental health support and the pressures faced by students in premier educational institutions. Experts emphasise the need for accessible counselling services and a supportive academic environment.

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