IIT Delhi Students Boycott Classes, Protest After MSc Student Dies by Suicide
Students at the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Delhi boycotted classes and staged a protest on Monday demanding an independent investigation into the alleged suicide of a 31-year-old MSc student, two days after his body was found on campus.
The protesting students gathered at the Lecture Hall Complex (LHC), where the student's body was discovered, and alleged that administrative lapses led to the death. They demanded that the institute suspend classes at the complex and submitted a formal note to IIT Delhi Director Rangan Banerjee.
In their note to the director, students stated that they should not be made to return to the Lecture Hall Complex thinking it is business as usual, urging that the system needs to take a pause. Classes across the campus were called off by midday as crowds grew.
Speaking on condition of anonymity, a student alleged that the administration portrayed the deceased as mentally unwell rather than taking responsibility. The student stated that after being referred to VIMHANS for treatment, the MSc student was not reallocated his hostel room and was forced to live off campus, which placed him under severe financial distress.
The students' note called on authorities to explain how factors such as the denial of hostel accommodation, the refusal of academic projects, and an unsupportive hospital administration in a competitive environment contribute to student mental distress. The protestors also demanded the resignation of two administrative officials over alleged negligence and insensitive comments.
Highlighting systemic concerns, the students pointed out that eight IIT Delhi students have died by suicide on campus over the past 30 months. They sought clear communication on institutional mental health measures and requested that no disciplinary action be taken against those participating in Monday's demonstration.
On Saturday night, IIT Delhi expressed condolences over the student's death and confirmed that the police are investigating the incident.
