IIT Delhi forms 5-member committee to probe MSc student's death following campus protests

IIT Delhi has formed a five-member external committee to investigate the events surrounding the death of a 31-year-old MSc Physics student, according to official statements made on Tuesday.

The move follows intense student protests on campus, which led the administration to suspend classes on Monday.

Committee structure & scope


The probe panel consists of:

• Ashok Kumar: Former Director General of Police (Uttarakhand), IIT Delhi alumnus, and Vice Chancellor of Haryana Sports University.
• Dr. Pratap Sharma: Head of the Department of Psychiatry at AIIMS, New Delhi.
• Two student representatives.
• The Registrar of IIT Delhi.

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The panel has been tasked with speaking to relevant faculty and students, reviewing administrative protocols, and examining how concerned offices function. It has been given a two-week deadline to submit its recommendations.

An official noted, "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. In addition, an external ombudsperson is proposed to be appointed to address student grievances that remain unresolved through the existing internal mechanisms."

The administration has also encouraged students to submit concerns and suggestions to build a safer and more responsive campus.

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Incident & police investigation

The student died on Saturday after allegedly jumping from the sixth floor of an academic building. Police reported finding no suicide note, though a mobile phone recovered from his pocket is being examined. Authorities confirmed that, prima facie, no injuries were present other than those caused by the fall. Investigators are currently obtaining counseling logs and academic records to determine the underlying circumstances.

IIT Delhi statement on timeline

In an official statement detailing the student's medical and academic timeline, the institute shared, "The student joined IIT-Delhi in July 2025 and was residing in a hostel on campus. He was an academically bright student. Following concerns raised by fellow students a few days after the Holi festivities earlier this year, he was immediately referred to the IIT-Delhi Hospital through the institute ambulance. He was assessed and supported by the institute psychiatrist, following which his family said that they want to take him to a specialised hospital."

The statement further explained, "Thereafter, he underwent approximately one month of inpatient treatment at the specialised hospital before being discharged. The student subsequently requested withdrawal from the second semester (Jan-May 2026), which was approved by the institute. In July, his health records were reviewed, and medical advice was again given that he should continue to remain under parental supervision.

"He was provided counselling and treatment support by the institute counsellor/doctor in both July and August 2026. His request for withdrawal from the third semester (July-Nov 2026) was also approved by the institute."