IIT Delhi Forms Seven-Member External Panel to Probe MSc Student's Death
IIT Delhi has constituted a seven-member external committee to investigate the circumstances surrounding the death of a 31-year-old MSc student on campus, according to an e-mail sent to students by institute Director Rangan Banerjee on Tuesday.
The death of the student, allegedly by suicide on the IIT Delhi campus on August 22, has triggered ongoing protests by student bodies. Students have been demonstrating since Monday against what they termed systemic issues, stating that eight students have died by suicide at the institute over the past 30 months.
The newly formed external committee includes former Uttarakhand police chief Ashok Kumar, AIIMS Delhi Psychiatry Department head Professor Pratap Sharma, four student representatives, and the institute's Registrar. Director Banerjee stated that the panel will review existing protocols, hold discussions with students, faculty members, and relevant officials, and submit its report within two weeks.
On Tuesday, protesting students submitted a collective note to the IIT Delhi administration seeking ₹1 crore in compensation for the deceased student's family. While Director Banerjee confirmed that the institute would provide financial support to the family, the exact sum was not specified.
According to the Director's e-mail, the student had a strong academic record, developed mental health issues in March, and was advised to stay under continuous parental supervision. The student moved off campus with his parents and, upon returning in July after a break, was again advised to remain under parental supervision following a medical review.
Students, however, objected to the administration's view regarding parental supervision, arguing that students require peer access, fair academic opportunities, and an empathetic campus environment. They also raised objections to the inclusion of Ashok Kumar on the probe panel, pointing to previous comments attributed to him regarding youth-led agitations.
Additionally, students stated that disparaging remarks had been made by faculty members against protesters and demanded that no disciplinary action be taken against those participating in peaceful demonstrations.
Political leaders also reacted to the unrest on Tuesday, with Aam Aadmi Party chief and former Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal and the Cockroach Janta Party issuing statements in solidarity with the protesting students.
