The Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Delhi on Tuesday constituted an external inquiry committee to examine the circumstances leading to the death of a 31-year-old MSc Physics student, a day after hundreds of students protested on campus demanding “institutional accountability” and alleging lapses in the institute’s handling of his academic and mental health concerns.
Police investigates student suicide
“…the Institute recognises that every such tragic incident requires a thorough and independent examination. “The FIR has been registered against unknown persons. Also Read I IIT Delhi student dies by suicide on campus, second such case since March: Police
The deceased student joined the MSc Physics programme in July 2025 and was residing at a campus hostel. A senior police officer said a case of abetment of suicide has been registered under Section 108 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) at Kishangarh police station on a complaint received from IIT Delhi. IIT Delhi is therefore constituting an external inquiry committee to investigate the circumstances leading to this tragic incident.
The Institute will ensure that the committee is given the necessary mandate to examine the matter comprehensively and to identify any further measures that may be required to strengthen student support systems,” IIT Delhi said in a statement. Police have said no suicide note was recovered and are investigating the circumstances surrounding his death. Investigation has been taken up to ascertain the reason behind the student’s alleged extreme step,” the officer said.
He allegedly died by suicide after jumping from the sixth floor of the lecture hall complex on Saturday morning.
The students demanded the resignation of the dean and associate deans of the students’ welfare office and the head of the physics department. He was referred to the IIT hospital, assessed and supported by the institute psychiatrist, after which his family took him to a specialised hospital, where he underwent about a month of inpatient treatment. Their charter also sought an independent investigation into alleged institutional lapses, ₹ 1 crore compensation for the deceased’s family and an assurance that no action would be taken against students who participated in the protest.
IIT Delhi said the student had received institutional support after concerns were raised by fellow students following the Holi festivities earlier this year.
