IIT Delhi students pause protest, cite progress on their demands

IIT Delhi students have paused their week-long protest over the alleged suicide of 31-year-old MSc Physics student Rishikesh Kumar. The group announced the halt on Sunday, citing progress on their key demands, which include forming an external inquiry committee to investigate the circumstances surrounding Kumar's death. This decision comes after the mother of the deceased, Asha Poddar, declined financial compensation, which was a primary demand of the protesters.

Instead, she requested the institute to create residential facilities for students dealing with mental-health issues. The students also cited Kumar's concerns about hostel accommodation, including allegations of him being told there were no provisions for mentally-ill students to stay. Poddar rejected compensation and instead asked the administration to provide living quarters for students with mental-health concerns.

IIT Delhi Director Rangan Banerjee said he would look into Poddar's proposal and explore ways to commemorate Kumar's memory on campus.