31-year-old M.Sc. Physics student died after allegedly falling from sixth floor of campus building; investigation underway
New Delhi (Economy India): The Delhi Police have registered a case of abetment to suicide against unidentified persons in connection with the death of a 31-year-old M.Sc. Physics student of the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Delhi, officials said.
The student, identified in reports as Rishikesh Kumar, allegedly died after jumping from the sixth floor of the institute’s Lecture Hall Complex on August 22. Police are investigating the circumstances surrounding his death and the possible role, if any, of other individuals.
Police Begin Detailed Investigation
According to preliminary police information, the student entered the IIT Delhi campus through the main gate at around 8 am on August 22. He subsequently went to the Lecture Hall Complex and took a lift to the sixth floor, from where he allegedly jumped.
He was taken to the institute’s campus hospital, where he was declared brought dead.
A PCR call regarding the incident was received at around 8:30 am at the Kishangarh police station. A police team, along with a crime team and forensic experts, reached the campus to collect evidence.
Case Registered Against Unknown Persons
The police have now registered a case under the relevant provisions concerning abetment to suicide against unidentified persons.
Officials said the investigation is aimed at determining the circumstances that led to the student’s death and whether anyone else had a role in the events preceding it.
Police had earlier said that no suicide note was recovered from the scene. A mobile phone found with the student was seized and is being examined as part of the investigation.
Student Protests on IIT Delhi Campus
The student’s death has triggered protests on the IIT Delhi campus, with students demanding institutional accountability and an independent investigation.
Students have raised concerns about student welfare, mental-health support and alleged administrative lapses. Their demands have included action against officials and adequate compensation for the deceased student’s family.
The protests have added pressure on the institute to address concerns raised by students and the family.
IIT Delhi Forms External Inquiry Committee
IIT Delhi has constituted an external inquiry committee to examine the circumstances surrounding the student’s death.
The institute has expressed grief over the incident and said it is extending support to the bereaved family. The committee is expected to examine the circumstances leading up to the incident and address concerns raised following the campus protests.
Counselling and Other Records Being Examined
As part of the investigation, police are also seeking relevant counselling records and other information from IIT Delhi.
The examination of these records, along with the student’s mobile phone and forensic evidence, is expected to help investigators establish a clearer picture of the events before his death.
Questions Over Student Welfare
The incident has renewed attention on mental-health support and student welfare systems at premier educational institutions.
Students protesting at IIT Delhi have called for greater transparency in grievance redressal and counselling mechanisms, along with accountability for any institutional shortcomings that may emerge during the inquiry.
The police investigation and the external inquiry by IIT Delhi are expected to provide further clarity on the circumstances surrounding the student’s death.
Investigation Continues
The Delhi Police have not attributed responsibility to any individual at this stage. The case against unidentified persons is part of the ongoing investigation, and the circumstances and possible involvement of others remain to be established.
Authorities are examining available evidence, including forensic material, the student’s phone and institutional records.
The case has also prompted renewed discussion about mental-health support, student welfare and institutional accountability in higher educational institutions.
(Economy India)
