IIT Delhi students protest after eighth campus death in 30 months

Students at the Indian Institute of Technology Delhi boycotted classes and staged a protest on August 24-25, 2026, after the death of a 31-year-old MSc Physics student on campus.

Rishikesh Kumar was found after jumping from the sixth floor of the Lecture Hall Complex on August 22. Students said this was the eighth death by suicide at the institute in the last 30 months and pointed to a systemic problem.

In a note submitted to Director Rangan Banerjee, the protesters demanded suspension of classes at the Lecture Hall Complex, an independent investigation into alleged administrative lapses, and the resignation of two officials over negligence and insensitive comments.

One student, speaking anonymously, said the administration had portrayed the deceased as mentally unwell rather than examining institutional factors. The student had been referred to VIMHANS for treatment and was not allocated a hostel room afterward, leading to off-campus stay and financial pressure.

Delhi Police registered an FIR for abetment of suicide against unknown persons on the evening of the incident, based on a report from the institute's chief security officer. A post-mortem report was awaited.

The protest represents one of the more visible internal reckonings at the institution over mental health support, hostel allocation and response to distress. Students called for clear communication on measures already taken and for a pause rather than a return to routine at the site of the death.