IIT Delhi Forms 5-Member Panel to Probe MS

New Delhi, India — August 25, 2026

The Indian Institute of Technology Delhi has constituted a five-member external inquiry committee to investigate the circumstances surrounding the death of MSc Physics student Rishikesh Kumar. The move comes after protests on campus, with students demanding an independent investigation, greater accountability and stronger support systems for student welfare.

Kumar, 31, died on August 22 after falling from the sixth floor of the Lecture Hall Complex on the IIT Delhi campus. Delhi Police are also investigating the circumstances surrounding the death, and reports said no suicide note was found at the scene.

Five-Member External Committee Formed

IIT Delhi formed the external inquiry committee amid growing demands from students for an independent investigation into the incident.

According to reports, the committee includes former Uttarakhand Director General of Police and IIT Delhi alumnus Ashok Kumar, AIIMS New Delhi psychiatry department head Professor Pratap Sharma, two student representatives and the institute's Registrar, who will serve as secretary and convenor.

The committee has reportedly been asked to submit its findings within two weeks.

Student Protests Intensify on Campus

The decision to establish the inquiry panel followed major protests by IIT Delhi students. Protesters demanded an independent investigation into the circumstances surrounding Kumar's death and raised concerns about institutional accountability and student welfare.

Among the demands reported by various news organisations were an inquiry into alleged administrative lapses, accountability from senior officials, improvements to student welfare systems and financial support for Kumar's family.

Some students also demanded compensation of Rs 1 crore for the family, although the institute said it would work towards providing financial support through reimbursement of medical expenses, its benevolent fund and voluntary contributions from faculty, students and staff.

Questions Raised Over Student Welfare

The protests have brought renewed attention to questions surrounding student welfare, academic support and mental health services at higher education institutions.

Students have raised concerns about issues including accommodation, academic support and the institutional systems available to students experiencing difficulties. These allegations and concerns are expected to form part of the broader public debate surrounding the incident, while the official inquiry examines the circumstances of Kumar's death.

It is important to note that allegations made by protesters remain distinct from the findings of the official inquiry, which has been established to independently examine the circumstances surrounding the case.

Institute Announces Additional Support Measures

Alongside the inquiry, IIT Delhi has announced plans for additional measures aimed at strengthening its support systems.

According to reports, the institute plans to appoint an external ombudsperson to address grievances that are not resolved through internal systems. It has also discussed creating additional faculty and student mentoring support as part of efforts to improve the support available to students.

These measures come as student mental health and institutional support systems continue to receive increasing attention across India's higher education sector.

Key Developments So Far

• IIT Delhi has formed a five-member external inquiry committee.

• The panel has been asked to submit its report within two weeks.

• Students have staged protests demanding an independent investigation and institutional accountability.

• Students have raised concerns regarding welfare, accommodation, academic support and mental health systems.

• IIT Delhi has announced plans for additional financial and institutional support measures.

What Happens Next?

The external committee's findings are expected to play an important role in determining the next steps for the institute. With the panel reportedly given a two-week deadline, attention will now focus on its investigation and any recommendations that follow.

The incident has also triggered a broader discussion about the responsibilities of universities and educational institutions in supporting students facing academic, personal or emotional difficulties.

As the inquiry continues, students and the wider academic community will be watching closely for answers regarding the circumstances surrounding Kumar's death and possible changes to IIT Delhi's student support and grievance systems.