'65 suicides in 5 years': CJP demands action on IIT structural problems amid Delhi protests

The Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) has voiced strong support for ongoing student protests at IIT Delhi, triggered by the recent death of a student. The CJP highlighted a disturbing trend of student suicides across Indian Institutes of Technology, calling it a "clear structural problem" that requires urgent attention. The organization cited that IITs have collectively recorded 65 suicides in the last five years, with IIT Delhi alone witnessing eight in the past three years. Protesting students at IIT Delhi are demanding accountability, calling for the resignation of the dean and associate deans of the Students’ Welfare Office, as well as the head of the physics department. They are also seeking an independent investigation into alleged institutional lapses that may have contributed to the student's death. The students have further demanded compensation of ₹1 crore for the deceased student's family. The recent incident involved a 31-year-old MSc Physics student who allegedly died by suicide on campus on August 22. The IIT-Delhi administration confirmed the death. CJP spokesperson Ashutosh Ranka noted that while the student was reportedly dealing with mental health issues following his father's death, the institute appeared to have failed in providing adequate support, including hostel accommodation and counseling. Students continued their protests on Tuesday, expressing frustration over the administration's response, which they felt treated the incident as routine. They are demanding clear answers and a thorough review of the institute's mental health protocols. The protests have disrupted academic activities, with afternoon classes suspended on Monday due to the hours-long unrest.

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It is extremely shocking that IITD has witnessed 8 suicides in last 3 years. And overall IITs have had 65 suicides in last 5 years. There is a clear structural problem in our IITs which warrants immediate attention.