Rishikesh Kumar, a 31-year-old MSc Physics student at IIT Delhi, died by suicide on 22 August 2026 on the institute's campus, leaving behind a family shattered by grief and a trail of unanswered questions about student welfare at one of India's most prestigious institutions. His mother, Asha Poddar, has now recalled a harrowing conversation with him the night before his death, in which he spoke openly about emotional anguish and suicidal thoughts.

The Last Conversation

According to Asha Poddar, Rishikesh broke down during a phone call with her on the night of 21 August. He told her he was in intense pain, that he was afraid of suicide yet felt worthless despite his abilities. 'He cried a lot and told me, ‘Mummy, I am hurting a lot. I am even afraid of suicide; I would not be able to bring myself to do that either. I am useless and good for nothing. Despite having talent, I am unable to achieve anything in this world,’' she said.

Rishikesh's brother, Abhishek Kumar, confirmed that Rishikesh had directly disclosed suicidal thoughts to their mother. 'He was telling Mummy that he was having suicidal thoughts. We even spoke to a doctor about it. He kept saying that his life was meaningless and that he did not want to live anymore,' Abhishek said. The family had urged him to sleep and speak to a doctor, and he had reportedly agreed before the call ended.

A Life of Repeated Setbacks

Rishikesh's academic journey was marked by prolonged disruptions. According to his mother, he had enrolled at NIT Rourkela but was forced to discontinue his studies in 2014 following the death of his father. He later completed his graduation in Physics from Magadh University between 2022 and 2025 before securing admission to IIT Delhi's MSc programme — a dream he had long pursued.

He joined IIT Delhi in July 2025 and performed well in his first semester, securing a CGPA of 8 out of 10, according to his family. However, his mental health deteriorated during the second semester. Fellow students raised concerns about his well-being after the Holi festivities, following which he was taken to the IIT Delhi Hospital and assessed by the institute's psychiatrist. He subsequently underwent approximately one month of inpatient treatment at a specialised hospital before being discharged.

Family Allegations Against the Institute

The family has alleged that despite Rishikesh receiving medical clearance from external specialists to resume his studies, IIT Delhi insisted on conducting its own assessment before permitting him to return to academic life. 'If the hospital says that the student is fine and capable of studying, why insist on another examination? Why refer the case elsewhere?' Abhishek asked.

Abhishek further alleged that Rishikesh was denied a hostel room even after recovering, and was forced to live in off-campus accommodation with his mother. He claimed this exclusion was a significant source of distress for Rishikesh, who felt he could not study properly while living outside the campus. According to Abhishek, Rishikesh had allegedly disclosed to their mother that he had twice approached the ninth floor of a college building in moments of crisis, deeply troubled by the hostel denial.

The family also alleged that Rishikesh was left to work on an academic research project alone while other students were paired up, adding to his sense of isolation. They said their mother had repeatedly appealed to institute authorities to allow him to stay in the hostel, but the requests were not accommodated. 'Our mother pleaded with them and begged them to let him stay there. He was adamant about living in the hostel and felt suffocated living outside the campus,' Abhishek alleged.

IIT Delhi's Response and Inquiry

IIT Delhi, in a statement, said Rishikesh had joined the institute in July 2025 and was described as an academically bright student. The institute said his health records were reviewed in July 2026 and medical advice indicated he should continue under parental supervision. His requests to withdraw from both the second semester (January–May 2026) and the third semester (July–November 2026) were approved. The institute said counselling and treatment support were provided in both July and August.

On Tuesday, amid ongoing student protests, IIT Delhi announced the formation of a five-member external inquiry committee to examine the circumstances surrounding Rishikesh's death. The institute stated that student welfare and mental well-being remained among its highest priorities. Police have recovered a mobile phone from Rishikesh's pocket and are examining it as part of their investigation. No suicide note was recovered from the scene.

Student Protests and the Wider Crisis

Students at IIT Delhi have been protesting since Monday, raising concerns about what they describe as systemic failures in student welfare. Protesters have claimed that eight students have died by suicide at the institute over the past 30 months — a figure that, if verified, would represent a deeply troubling pattern at one of India's most competitive academic environments.

Asha Poddar, who says she has left questions of accountability to her son's friends and fellow students, remembers Rishikesh as far more than an IIT aspirant. He was a talented singer, a poet who participated in kavi sammelans, and, by all accounts, someone who gave generously of himself to those around him. 'Such a wonderful young man has been taken away from us,' she said. As the external inquiry gets under way, the case is likely to intensify national scrutiny of mental health infrastructure at India's premier institutions.

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