IIT-Delhi has initiated an external investigation into the suicide of MSc Physics student Rishikesh Kumar, following student protests.
IIT-Delhi has set up an external panel to investigate the circumstances that led to the death of a student allegedly by suicide, officials informed. An external ombudsperson will be appointed to address student grievances that remain unresolved through existing internal mechanisms, the institute said.
IIT Delhi Director Rangan Banerjee announced the external inquiry committee. The announcement was made following a day of student protests over the death of MSc Physics student Rishikesh Kumar. The protest by the students is still continuing.
Committee to Probe Death, Submit Report in Two Weeks
The external panel comprises Ashok Kumar, former Uttarakhand Director General of Police who is an IIT-Delhi alumnus and Vice Chancellor of Haryana Sports University and Pratap Sharma, Head of Department of Psychiatry, AIIMS, New Delhi.
Besides, two student representatives and IIT-Delhi registrar will also be part of the external probe panel.
“The committee will speak to relevant students and faculty members, examine the functioning of the concerned administrative offices, review existing protocols and processes and make recommendations. The panel has been given two weeks to submit its report,” an official said.
“The institute will ensure that the committee is given the necessary mandate to examine the matter comprehensively and to identify any further measures that may be required to strengthen student support systems,” the official said.
“In addition, an external ombudsperson is proposed to be appointed to address student grievances that remain unresolved through the existing internal mechanisms,” the official added.
The institute also informed that they will reimburse medical costs, use a benevolent fund, and open a new voluntary fund for the family.
IIT Director Banerjee also said that Rishikesh Kumar had joined the MSc Physics program in July 2025 and was staying in the Shivalik hostel. He performed well academically in his first semester before developing mental health issues in March 2026.
