Abhijeet Dipke Seeks Education Overhaul After IIT Delhi Death
Cockroach Janata Party founder Abhijeet Dipke has called for a “complete overhaul” of India’s education system following the death of 31-year-old MSc Physics student Rishikesh Kumar at IIT Delhi. His remarks came amid continuing student protests and demands for an independent inquiry into the circumstances surrounding the death.
Abhijeet Dipke Calls for Education System Overhaul
Dipke said even India’s premier institutions were struggling with student well-being and argued that academic systems should create an environment where students feel supported, heard and hopeful about their future.
He cited 65 student suicides reported across IITs over the past five years while arguing that the problem extended beyond individual institutions.
Police have said no suicide note was recovered in Rishikesh Kumar’s case, and the circumstances surrounding his death remain under investigation.
IIT Delhi Sets Up External Inquiry Panel
Rishikesh died on August 22 after falling from the sixth floor of IIT Delhi’s Lecture Hall Complex.
The institute has reconstituted an external inquiry committee headed by retired Delhi High Court judge Justice Mukta Gupta. The panel will also include AIIMS psychiatry department head Professor Pratap Sharan, four student representatives and the IIT Delhi Registrar.
The committee has been asked to examine the circumstances surrounding the death, review existing institutional processes and recommend improvements to student support systems within two weeks.
IIT Delhi Students Continue Protest
Students had earlier demanded an independent investigation, financial assistance for Rishikesh’s family and the resignation of the Dean of Student Welfare.
IIT Delhi has said Rishikesh had received counselling and medical treatment after concerns were raised by fellow students. The institute has also outlined measures covering mental healthcare, academic flexibility, mentorship and grievance redressal.
The protests have renewed wider scrutiny of academic pressure and student support mechanisms at India’s premier institutions.
