Protests at IIIT Ranchi enter third day over student’s death; students seek director’s resignation

Protests at the Indian Institute of Information Technology (IIIT), Ranchi, entered their third day on Monday following the death of a first-year student on Saturday. Students are demanding the resignation of institute director Rajiv Srivastava, citing concerns over campus facilities and the institute’s emergency response.

The student, identified in media reports as Aditya Kumar, was found hanging in his hostel room at the institute’s Khelgaon campus. He was taken to hospital, where he was declared dead, according to reports. Police are investigating the circumstances of his death.

Students have alleged that the institute’s emergency response was inadequate and questioned whether medical assistance was provided in time. They have also raised concerns about the availability of ambulance services and emergency medical equipment on campus.

The protests began on Saturday and continued through Sunday and Monday, with students staging demonstrations and demanding accountability from the institute administration. Along with the director’s resignation, they have called for improvements to hostel facilities, medical services and emergency response arrangements.

Students have also raised concerns about basic campus infrastructure, including the functioning of hostel lifts. These allegations have not been independently verified.

Police are investigating the death. Reports said no suicide note had been found.

The protests have put the institute’s campus facilities and emergency preparedness under scrutiny, with students pressing the administration to address their concerns and respond to their demands.