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New Delhi: Rishikesh Kumar, who hailed from the ‘backward state’ of Bihar and had overcome numerous hurdles in life to secure a place at IIT Delhi, one of India’s most prestigious educational institutions, died by suicide on August 22. He allegedly died after jumping from a building at the very institute where he had enrolled just a year ago after clearing a tough entrance exam.

At present, Rishikesh’s institute is in chaos. IIT Delhi, where protests are uncommon, is resonating with slogans. Rishikesh’s peers – some known to him, but most of them strangers – are demanding justice and accountability for him and for many others who share his plight.

Meanwhile, the institute, despite the reported suicides of eight students within a span of 30 months, claims to be ‘shocked.’ Eight lives have been lost in two and a half years, yet the institute continues to offer assurances of ‘continuous improvement in systems.’ Students are calling for the resignation of Professor Sreedevi, the Associate Dean of Student Welfare, and demanding a more sensitive support system on campus – one that transcends mere tokenism or superficial formalities.

The very institute of technology – which imparts the science of knowledge derived from questioning – has barred the media from entry. On August 25, media personnel gathered at the main entrance of IIT Delhi from 4-6 PM, seeking to cover the protests that have been taking place on campus since Sunday. However, security arrangements at the main entrance were heightened, and all individuals entering were being screened. Security staff received explicit instructions to deny access to any media personnel without prior permission.

The on-going protest on the IIT Delhi campus – sparked by the alleged suicide of Kumar, a second-year M.Sc. Physics student – has evolved beyond mourning over one student’s death. Students are now questioning the entire system within which they study, reside, and seek assistance during times of mental distress.

This protest at IIT Delhi holds particular significance as such demonstrations are seldom witnessed at this esteemed national institute.

Students contend that viewing Rishikesh’s death merely as a consequence of personal or mental health challenges overlooks the circumstances he had been grappling with since his return – such as the failure to secure hostel accommodation or an academic project, the complicated process of withdrawing from the semester, and the alleged insensitive treatment by the administration.

A PhD student in Philosophy at IIT Delhi, participating in the protest, spoke on condition of anonymity, “This is not the first instance of suicide at IIT. A pattern can be observed when looking at the previous incidents. Generally, it is individuals – particularly students from marginalized communities – who struggle to find a sense of belonging on campus that arrive at this tragic point.”

According to the students, the anger is particularly intense this time because similar incidents have occurred on campus prior to Rishikesh’s death.

According to a report, eight students have died by suicide at IIT Delhi in the last 30 months. Protesting students attribute this to a “systemic failure” and accuse the institute of being insensitive toward mental health issues.

When problems mount with no help

Rishikesh, who had enrolled at IIT Delhi in July 2025, hailed from Patna in Bihar. After losing his father in 2025, Rishikesh began to experience serious mental health problems. According to a note issued by the students, his health deteriorated after Holi in March this year, leading to a week-long treatment at IIT Delhi hospital. Later, Rishikesh was admitted to VIMHANS Hospital in Delhi for about a month. After receiving treatment, his condition improved and upon obtaining medical fitness clearance, he returned to IIT.

According to the students’ note issued, Rishikesh’s problems persisted even after his return. His prolonged treatment affected his studies, causing him to lag behind in exam preparation. He requested to withdraw from the second semester and decided to return........

© The Wire