IIT Delhi Student Death: ‘Mummy, I Am Hurting’, Brother Recalls His Final Conversation

Rishikesh Kumar, a 31-year-old MSc Physics student at IIT Delhi, died on August 22 after falling from a building on the institute campus. He was taken to the campus hospital, where doctors declared him dead. Police said no suicide note was found at the spot. His mobile phone was recovered and has been seized for examination. According to his mother Asha Poddar, Rishikesh had spoken to her emotionally the night before his death. He reportedly told her that he was in severe pain and felt his life had become meaningless. He also spoke about his struggles with studies and the repeated problems that were preventing him from achieving his goals.

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IIT Dream Came True, But Challenges Continued

Rishikesh had faced several setbacks in his academic journey. His brother Abhishek Kumar said he had to leave NIT Rourkela in 2014 following their father’s death. He later completed his Physics degree from Magadh University between 2022 and 2025. He joined IIT Delhi in July 2025 and considered getting into the institute his biggest dream. According to his brother, Rishikesh performed well during his first semester and secured an 8 CGPA. However, his mental health problems later affected his studies. He underwent treatment at a specialised hospital and was eventually allowed to return to his studies. His family said doctors had cleared him to attend classes and stay in the hostel with regular medical follow-ups.

According to Abhishek, Rishikesh remained deeply distressed over not being allowed to stay in the hostel. He was living outside the campus in a small rented room and reportedly felt uncomfortable there. His brother said Rishikesh repeatedly asked their mother to take him back to Patna. The family also claimed that he had earlier spoken about two attempts to end his life. Abhishek said his brother believed he was being treated unfairly despite having good academic performance and medical clearance. He also alleged that Rishikesh did not receive adequate cooperation while working on a research project. The family has questioned the institute’s handling of his mental health and academic situation.

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Questions Raised Over Repeated Medical Assessments

Rishikesh’s family has also raised questions about the institute’s repeated medical assessments. Abhishek alleged that even after an outside hospital declared his brother fit to study, he was asked to undergo further evaluation by the institute. He said the family had repeatedly requested that Rishikesh be allowed to stay in the hostel. According to him, the lack of support increased his brother’s stress and emotional distress. Students have also been protesting against what they describe as systemic problems at the institute. They claim that eight students have died by suicide at IIT Delhi over the past 30 months.

IIT Delhi has constituted a five-member external inquiry committee to investigate the circumstances surrounding Rishikesh’s death. The institute said student welfare and mental well-being remain a top priority. According to IIT Delhi, Rishikesh had previously received support from the institute psychiatrist after concerns were raised about his health. He later underwent around one month of inpatient treatment at a specialised hospital. His requests to withdraw from the second and third semesters were approved. The institute also said he received counselling and treatment support in July and August 2026. The inquiry is now expected to examine the circumstances surrounding his death and the support provided to him during his time at the institute.

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