📷 Image: Wikimedia Commons / Mahi zahidi
Health
IIT Delhi MSc Physics Student Rishikesh Kumar Commits Suicide Amid Drug Use
✍️ Amar Ujala · Delhi
🗓 26 Aug 2026, 11:32 PM
👁 1
31‑year‑old IIT Delhi MSc Physics student Rishikesh Kumar was found dead after taking his own life, with investigators linking his death to drug use that began after a friendship with a young woman.
IIT Delhi authorities confirmed the death of 31‑year‑old Rishikesh Kumar, a master's student in physics, who was found dead in his residence on Monday. According to the university, Kumar had successfully cleared his first year with commendable grades before enrolling in the MSc programme.
Investigators revealed that Kumar had formed a close friendship with a young woman during his studies, after which he began consuming illicit drugs. Sources close to the case said his drug use escalated over weeks, affecting his mental health.
The final autopsy report ruled the death as suicide, and the campus police have opened a probe to understand the circumstances that led to his self‑inflicted injury. The incident has sparked discussions on student mental‑wellbeing and the need for stronger counseling services at premier institutions.
University officials have expressed grief and pledged to review existing support mechanisms for students facing similar pressures.
Investigators revealed that Kumar had formed a close friendship with a young woman during his studies, after which he began consuming illicit drugs. Sources close to the case said his drug use escalated over weeks, affecting his mental health.
The final autopsy report ruled the death as suicide, and the campus police have opened a probe to understand the circumstances that led to his self‑inflicted injury. The incident has sparked discussions on student mental‑wellbeing and the need for stronger counseling services at premier institutions.
University officials have expressed grief and pledged to review existing support mechanisms for students facing similar pressures.