The family of a 31-year-old IIT Delhi student, Rishikesh Kumar, who jumped to his death on August 22, has accused the institute of neglecting to act upon earlier warnings regarding his mental health. They claim that despite raising concerns about his suicidal state, the administration failed to provide adequate support, including accommodation and academic assistance.

Rishikesh, who was pursuing an M.Sc. in Physics, jumped from the sixth floor of the Lecture Hall Complex. Authorities reported that no suicide note was found at the incident site, and investigations are now underway, including an examination of Rishikesh’s counselling records and mobile phone.

His brother, Abhishek, stated that the family had reached out multiple times to IIT Delhi’s administration for hostel accommodation following Rishikesh’s return from a medical break, but these requests reportedly went unanswered. Allegations also indicate that Rishikesh was denied accommodation in family quarters and assigned an academic project that required him to work independently.

Details of Academic Struggles Revealed

According to Abhishek, Rishikesh was compelled to take an academic break due to health issues, which hindered his ability to complete his second semester. Upon his return for the third semester, he was tasked with a research project but was reportedly asked to work on it alone, contrary to his request to collaborate with another student who was also working independently.

Abhishek further mentioned that in addition to facing difficulties in securing a hostel room, their request for accommodation in a family quarter was denied. Rishikesh became increasingly distressed, frequently expressing confusion and a lack of support to their mother.

The family made it clear that they communicated their concerns regarding Rishikesh’s mental health to the administration. However, despite their claims of having informed the institution about his suicidal tendencies, no special assistance was provided.

Institution’s Response to the Tragedy

IIT Delhi has established an external inquiry committee to investigate the circumstances surrounding Rishikesh’s death. The committee includes notable figures such as former Uttarakhand DGP Ashok Kumar and a psychiatrist from AIIMS Delhi. The institution has also announced that it will provide financial assistance to the family and consider improvements to its student grievance-redressal mechanisms.

Despite these actions, Abhishek reported that there has been no communication with the IIT Delhi administration since Rishikesh’s passing. The family has yet to receive copies of the FIR or the post-mortem report, further complicating their pursuit of justice and clarification regarding Rishikesh’s tragic death.

The incident has ignited protests among students at IIT Delhi, who are demanding accountability and improved mental health support from the institution. There has been a significant turnout, with students voicing slogans such as “Justice for Rishikesh.” Abhishek expressed his appreciation for the solidarity shown by the student body but conveyed a sense of concern that the issue might lose momentum over time. He highlighted the need for permanent solutions, referencing previous student deaths that had not led to sufficient changes in institutional practices.

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