IIT Delhi students deny unsavoury slogans
Protesting IIT Delhi students refute administration claims of using threatening language, stating their slogans were peaceful appeals for faculty support.
Students at the Indian Institute of Technology Delhi (IIT-D) are continuing protests over the death of student Rishikesh Kumar. They deny using unsavoury slogans, as alleged by the institute's director in an email warning of disciplinary action.
The students stated their demonstrations have remained peaceful. They say their chants were solely intended to appeal to faculty members for support.
Students refute administration claims
In a clarification issued on Saturday, the protesting students said they had peacefully urged professors to support them. They asserted their slogans were strictly limited to calls for institutional accountability, transparency, and community solidarity.
"Chants were an invitation or an appeal extended towards the faculty fraternity on the grounds of trust," the students said in their statement. They added that protesters did not cause any ruckus or chaos. However, they reported facing disproportionate police surveillance and presence.
A 21-year-old BTech student described the event. "We took out a march from our hostels at 9pm, paused hardly for 15 minutes near faculty residence, raised the slogan and continued our march towards the main gate," the student said. The student clarified that none of the protesters entered the gate of the residential area.
Demands for probe and compensation
The protests began two days after 31-year-old MSc student Rishikesh Kumar died, reportedly by suicide, on August 22. While the institute has formed a committee to probe the death, students say their protest will continue until specific demands are met.
Their demands include the resignation of the Dean (Students’ Welfare). They also seek an independent inquiry into alleged institutional lapses. Furthermore, they demand ₹1 crore in compensation for Kumar’s family and an assurance that no action will be taken against participating students.
A student pursuing a master’s degree, who requested anonymity, criticized the administration's response. "The administration had done nothing for Rishikesh." the student said. The student added they feel tired but must continue fighting.
The standoff continues with students undeterred by threats of disciplinary action. They maintain their demonstrations are peaceful appeals for justice and institutional accountability.
