A MSc Physics student at IIT Delhi died by suicide. The police have registered a case. An external inquiry committee has been set up to take necessary action. Students are protesting and demanding accountability.
A 31 year old MSc Physics student at IIT Delhi attempted suicide last week. The Delhi Police has registered a case. The accused has not been identified yet. Students are protesting and demanding accountability. Notably, this marks the eighth suicide on the campus since 2023, raising serious concerns about student mental health and well being.
The incident occurred on 22 August. The student had entered through the main gate and subsequently went to the Lecture Hall Complex where he took a lift to the sixth floor. He jumped from the front of the building. He was rushed to the institute hospital where he was declared dead. Kishangarh Police was informed through a PCR call.
The police had reached the campus. The crime and forensic departments soon followed. No suicide note was recovered while the police seized the student's phone. Counselling records and other evidences were traced. The campus expressed grief and support for the deceased's family. The exact cause of the suicide is not known yet. However, the deceased’s brother informed ANI that the deceased had been suffering from depression since his father’s death in 2020. He said that the institution was very rude to him during his crisis. He added:
They insulted my mother as well, saying, "We look after 2,000 students at a time, and you cannot handle one student."
The police are further investigating the case.
Read the complete details of the case here.
Protests continue at the campus. The protest entered its fourth day at midnight on Wednesday, 26 August. Several parts were cordoned off. The faculty held a meeting at the seminar hall. An external inquiry committee will look into the tragic death, make sure the necessary mandates are followed, and determine whether any additional steps are needed to improve student support systems.
The anger of the students continues. They demand the resignation of the Associate Dean of Student Welfare, Associate Dean of Hostel Management, and Head of the Physics Department. Students also demand an independent inquiry into the case and compensation of at least Rs. 1 crore for the victim's family.
Read more about sudent protest here.
(If you or someone you know is struggling or in crisis, please reach out to Tele-MANAS at 1-800-891-4416 or KIRAN at 1800-599-0019 for support.)
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