Delhi: A 31-year-old M.Sc at IIT Delhi. (M.Sc.) student Rishikesh Kumar’s death amid the ongoing student agitation, director of the institute Prof. Rangan Banerjee has warned of disciplinary action against the protesting students.
In an official message sent to the students on Friday, the director said that the situation of the demonstration on Thursday night had turned very tense. He alleged that a group of protesters staged a demonstration in the residential area of the institution from 10:30 pm to 12:30 pm and used objectionable, abusive and threatening language while raising slogans.
The director added that such demonstrations in front of faculty residences affect the safety, privacy and peaceful life of professors and their families, including minors and elders.
He made it clear that strict disciplinary action would be taken against those who disturb the peaceful functioning of the complex. This includes disrupting residential areas, classrooms, academic activities and other day-to-day operations of the institution.
Performance till midnight on the fifth day
The students’ agitation against the death of Rishikesh Kumar continued for the fifth consecutive day. On Thursday night, students protested till midnight and marched in different areas of the campus.
Demonstrators held banners with messages such as “IIT Delhi students demand justice: probe, compensation and resignation”. As part of the security arrangements, the security personnel had also set up barricading at the main gate of the institute.
The inquiry committee started its work
The director also informed about the steps taken by the institution in a message sent to the students. He said that the external inquiry committee has started its work.
Along with this, Rishikesh’s family has been allowed to provide financial assistance from the organization’s ‘Benevolent Fund’. Apart from this, a separate relief fund has also been prepared with the voluntary contribution of the professors, students and staff.
He further informed that an independent external ombudsperson will be appointed in the next week. According to the director, the administration of the institution is in constant touch with the student representatives and other students and a good faith dialogue is maintained to understand their concerns.
There is no political interference, students have their own movement
The students have categorically denied all allegations of outside elements and political interference regarding the protest. The students said that this movement is being run in a completely collective and democratic manner. Their main demands include impartial investigation, proper compensation and resignation of those responsible. The students further added that they are appealing to the students to join and support the movement by visiting the hostels in person.