IIT Delhi Director Warns Against Threatening Slogans in Student Protest

The director of the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Delhi, Rangan Banerjee, has issued a stern warning to students participating in ongoing protests following the death of a 31-year-old MSc student. Banerjee condemned the use of “unsavoury, humiliating and threatening slogans” directed at faculty and their families during late-night demonstrations on the campus. In an email to students on Friday, the director said such behaviour would not be tolerated and warned that disciplinary action would follow any disruption to the institute’s operations.

The protest, which began after the student’s alleged suicide on August 22, entered its sixth day on Friday. Demonstrators have been calling for an independent inquiry, the removal of institute officials, and compensation for the deceased student’s family. The demonstrations escalated on Thursday night, spreading into residential areas of the campus. Banerjee highlighted concerns over the safety and privacy of faculty members, including children and elderly dependents, living in these areas. “Such behaviour compromises the safety, privacy, and peace of faculty members and their families,” he wrote.

In response to the protests, IIT Delhi reconstituted the external probe panel investigating the student’s death. The panel is now led by retired Delhi High Court judge Mukta Gupta. This change follows the recusal of former Uttarakhand DGP Ashok Kumar, who stepped down from the committee on Thursday citing personal reasons. The reconstituted panel aims to address student demands for a thorough and impartial investigation.

Student protests at IIT Delhi have continued despite these administrative steps, with demonstrators maintaining pressure for systemic accountability. The institute has reiterated its commitment to taking disciplinary action against individuals disrupting campus activities, including classes and academic events. The situation remains tense as both students and administration navigate the evolving aftermath of the tragedy.

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