Daijiworld Media Network - New Delhi
New Delhi, Aug 26: Delhi Police have registered a case of abetment to suicide against unidentified persons in connection with the death of a 31-year-old MSc Physics student of IIT Delhi, who allegedly died by suicide after jumping from the sixth floor of a building on the institute campus on August 22.
According to the police, the student, identified as Rishikesh Kumar, entered the IIT Delhi campus through the main gate at around 8 am. He then went to the Lecture Hall Complex and took an elevator to the sixth floor, from where he allegedly jumped from the front side of the building. A PCR call regarding the incident was received at around 8.33 am.
No suicide note was found at the spot. Police recovered the student's mobile phone and are examining it as part of the investigation. They are also obtaining his counselling records and other relevant information from the IIT Delhi administration to establish the circumstances preceding his death.
The registration of the abetment case comes amid growing protests on the IIT Delhi campus, with students demanding an independent investigation into what they described as possible administrative lapses and accountability of officials. The FIR has been registered against unidentified persons, and police are continuing to verify the circumstances and possible factors behind the student's death.
Students have raised broader concerns over student welfare, including alleged difficulties related to housing, academic projects and access to institutional support. They have also sought greater transparency regarding the institute's counselling and mental-health protocols.
The protests led to the suspension of classes on August 24 as students demanded an independent probe and accountability. Students also sought compensation for the deceased student's family and action against officials they believe should be held responsible.
IIT Delhi has constituted an external inquiry committee to examine the circumstances surrounding the student's death. The institute said the panel would be given a comprehensive mandate to examine relevant matters and recommend measures to strengthen student support systems. It also announced plans to appoint an external ombudsperson to address student grievances.
The initial five-member panel included former Uttarakhand DGP and IIT Delhi alumnus Ashok Kumar, AIIMS New Delhi psychiatry department head Professor Pratap Sharma, two student representatives and the institute's Registrar as secretary and convenor. The committee was initially asked to submit its report within two weeks.
However, following further protests, the institute agreed to reconstitute the panel after students objected to the inclusion of former DGP Ashok Kumar. Students were asked to suggest alternative names for the committee.
IIT Delhi has expressed grief over the student's death and said it would extend financial assistance to his family through contributions from faculty members, students and staff. The student had joined the MSc programme in July 2025.
The student's family has also raised concerns about the support he received from the institute. His brother alleged that the family had alerted authorities about his suicidal state and accused the institute of failing to provide adequate assistance, including in relation to accommodation and his academic project. These allegations are part of the issues being examined as the investigation continues.
Police said the investigation is ongoing and the facts are being verified. Further legal action will be taken according to the findings of the probe.