New Delhi, August 26, 2026 (Yes Punjab News)
The mother of 31-year-old IIT Delhi MSc Physics student Rishikesh Kumar, who died by suicide on the institute campus on August 22, has recalled an emotional conversation with him the night before his death, saying he had spoken about severe emotional distress and suicidal thoughts.
Rishikesh was undergoing treatment for mental health concerns, according to his family. He was taken to the IIT Delhi hospital after the incident, where doctors declared him brought dead. Police said no suicide note was recovered and that a mobile phone found in his possession had been seized for examination.
His mother, Asha Poddar, said Rishikesh broke down during their conversation the night before his death and told her that he felt unable to overcome repeated setbacks in his academic and personal life.
She said he believed he had the ability to clear competitive examinations and succeed academically but felt that one problem after another had interrupted his studies.
According to his brother Abhishek Kumar, Rishikesh had also directly told their mother that he was experiencing suicidal thoughts. The family subsequently sought medical assistance.
“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.
He added that Rishikesh had complained of severe headaches and difficulty thinking clearly and repeatedly expressed a desire to leave Delhi and return to Patna. The family spoke with him at length that night and encouraged him to sleep and consult a doctor.
Rishikesh had earlier enrolled at NIT Rourkela but discontinued his studies in 2014 following his father’s death, according to his mother. He later completed his Physics graduation from Magadh University between 2022 and 2025 before joining IIT Delhi in July 2025.
IIT Delhi said he initially stayed in a campus hostel and was an academically bright student. After fellow students raised concerns about his well-being following Holi earlier this year, he was taken to the institute hospital and assessed by its psychiatrist.
The institute said his family subsequently chose specialised treatment for him, following which he underwent about a month of inpatient care. He was later discharged and his request to withdraw from the January-May 2026 semester was approved.
The institute said his medical records were reviewed in July and he was advised to remain under parental supervision. It added that he received counselling and treatment support from institute doctors and counsellors in July and August. His request to withdraw from the July-November 2026 semester was also approved.
The family, however, has raised questions over the handling of his return to academics and hostel accommodation.
Abhishek alleged that Rishikesh had obtained medical clearance from external doctors to resume his studies but felt that the institute continued to subject him to further assessments. He also alleged that Rishikesh was not allowed to stay in the hostel despite wanting to return to campus.
According to the family, the student had secured an 8 CGPA in his first semester, but his difficulties increased during the following semester when he required medical treatment.
Abhishek also alleged that Rishikesh was distressed over his academic research project, claiming that while other students had been paired up, his brother was left without a partner.
The family further said Rishikesh found it difficult to live off campus with his mother because of the high rent and felt guilty about the financial and emotional burden on her.
Abhishek also referred to two earlier instances that Rishikesh had allegedly disclosed to their mother in which he had struggled with suicidal thoughts after returning to the institute.
Meanwhile, IIT Delhi has constituted a five-member external inquiry committee to examine the circumstances surrounding his death. The institute said student welfare and mental well-being remained among its highest priorities.
Students have been protesting since Monday, raising concerns about student welfare and what they describe as systemic issues. Protesters have claimed that eight students have died by suicide at the institute over the past 30 months.
Police are continuing their investigation, including examination of Rishikesh’s mobile phone, while the external committee will separately examine the circumstances leading up to his death.
His mother said she had not yet considered any specific demands from the institute and would leave such decisions to Rishikesh’s friends and fellow students. She remembered him as a talented singer and poet who also participated in kavi sammelans.
“He was very selfless and open with everyone. Such a wonderful young man has been taken away from us,” she said.
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