IIT Delhi protest continues as students reject response, classes remain suspended

Students at IIT Delhi have rejected the institute's response to demands raised after the death of MSc Physics student Rishikesh Kumar on August 22.Students protesting at IIT Delhi over the death of 31-year-old MSc Physics student Rishikesh Kumar have rejected the institute’s response to their demands, calling it inadequate and saying the protest will continue. The students raised their objections at a meeting held at the Lecture Hall Complex on August 24, according to the meeting minutes.The students objected to the administration’s account of Rishikesh’s case, saying it focused largely on his medical history. They said the account did not adequately reflect statements from Rishikesh’s mother, friends, students in the Physics Department and others about how his concerns were handled.Over 300 students on Tuesday protested with slogans in front of the Director's office asking for the immediate acceptance of the demands set by them.PANEL COMPOSITION KEPT IN DARKStudents also questioned the composition of the External Inquiry Committee formed by IIT Delhi. They objected to the inclusion of former Uttarakhand DGP and IIT Delhi alumnus Ashok Kumar, citing his past comments on student protests. They have sought a new committee headed by a retired Supreme Court or High Court judge.The students also want the judge and student members of the committee to be nominated collectively by representatives of the protesting students. IIT Delhi has said the five-member panel will include Ashok Kumar, AIIMS Delhi Psychiatry Department head Prof Pratap Sharma, two student representatives and the institute Registrar, who will serve as secretary and convenor. The committee has been asked to submit its report within two weeks.STUDENTS DEMAND RS 1 CRORE COMPENSATIONThe protesters have reiterated their demand for Rs 1 crore compensation for Rishikesh’s family.They said the institute’s announcement of reimbursement of medical expenses and financial assistance through its Benevolent Fund did not specify a compensation amount.The students welcomed the proposal to appoint an external Ombudsperson but said a grievance mechanism alone would not address their concerns.They have demanded that IIT Delhi disclose its existing protocols for handling student mental health issues and review them for possible lapses.They also questioned the institute’s emphasis on parental support, saying students should have access to peer support, academic opportunities and a supportive campus environment.The students said the proposed faculty-and-student mentor system would not be sufficient without wider changes.STUDENTS SEEK ASSURANCE ON PROTESTThe protesters also raised concerns over comments they said were made by some faculty members about students taking part in the agitation.They have asked IIT Delhi Director Rangan Banerjee to reiterate his assurance that students participating peacefully in the protest will not face punitive action from the institute, Delhi Police or any other agency.IIT Delhi has also announced financial assistance for Rishikesh’s family, including reimbursement of medical expenses and support through its Benevolent Fund. A separate fund will be created through voluntary contributions from faculty, students and staff.The protesting students, however, said they would continue the agitation until the administration addresses their demands, which they have grouped under three heads: investigation, resignation and compensation.- EndsPublished By: Rishab ChauhanPublished On: Aug 25, 2026 18:16 IST