IIT Delhi Director Warns Protesters Amid Student Death Row

Student protests at the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT), Delhi, have entered their sixth consecutive day, following the tragic death of a student on August 22. The demonstrations have intensified, leading IIT Delhi Director Rangan Banerjee to issue a strong warning against what he described as "unsavoury, humiliating and threatening language" used in some of the protest slogans.

In a recent communication, Director Banerjee highlighted that such behaviour not only jeopardizes the safety and privacy of faculty members but also affects their families, including children and elderly dependents. He emphasized the institute's commitment to maintaining a peaceful campus environment, stating that disciplinary actions would be taken against individuals found disrupting the functioning of the campus, including residential areas, classes, and other academic and non-academic activities.

The students' core demands include an independent inquiry into the circumstances surrounding the student's death, prompt action against any institute officials found responsible, and adequate compensation for the grieving family. This ongoing unrest prompted the institute to re-evaluate its approach to the investigation.

Earlier this week, IIT Delhi reconstituted the external probe panel tasked with examining the death.

The new committee is now headed by retired Delhi High Court judge Mukta Gupta.

This development followed the recusal of the previously appointed chair, former Uttarakhand DGP Ashok Kumar, who cited "personal reasons" for stepping down.

The student, who has not been publicly named, allegedly died by suicide after jumping from a building on the campus.

The institute is under pressure to address the students' concerns and ensure a thorough and transparent investigation.

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