The Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Delhi has reconstituted its external inquiry committee to investigate the circumstances surrounding the death of 31-year-old MSc Physics student Rishikesh Kumar.
Retired Delhi High Court judge Justice Mukta Gupta has been appointed as the new chairperson of the panel. The move comes after former Uttarakhand DGP Ashok Kumar, who was initially chosen to lead the inquiry, stepped down citing personal reasons or prior commitments.
New Panel to Examine Student’s Death
The reconstituted committee includes Justice Mukta Gupta, AIIMS New Delhi Department of Psychiatry head Professor Pratap Sharan, student representatives and the IIT Delhi Registrar.
The panel will examine the circumstances surrounding the student's death, review relevant institutional procedures and interact with students, faculty members and administrative officials. It has been asked to submit its recommendations within two weeks.
Student Protests Continue
The decision to change the panel comes amid several days of protests by IIT Delhi students.
Students had demanded an independent investigation and raised concerns about the composition of the initial committee. Some protesters had specifically sought a panel headed by a retired High Court or Supreme Court judge.
Their demands also included stronger student-support systems, improved grievance mechanisms and accountability over institutional processes.
What Happened to the Student?
Rishikesh Kumar died on August 22 after falling from the sixth floor of the Lecture Hall Complex at the IIT Delhi campus.
Police have registered a case of abetment to suicide against unidentified persons and are investigating the circumstances surrounding his death. A suicide note was reportedly not recovered, while police are examining his mobile phone, counselling records and other relevant material.
IIT Delhi Highlights Mental Health Support
IIT Delhi has said that student welfare and mental health remain key priorities. The institute has pointed to its counselling services, on-campus counsellors and psychiatric support, along with financial assistance for the student's family.
The institute has also proposed appointing an external ombudsperson to handle student grievances that remain unresolved through existing internal mechanisms.
Focus on Accountability and Student Welfare
The newly constituted panel is expected to look beyond the immediate circumstances of the student's death and examine whether existing institutional systems adequately support students.
The inquiry could also recommend changes to mental health services, grievance redressal, student welfare procedures and administrative protocols.
