IIIT Ranchi Student Death Triggers Protest, Students Demand Director’s Exit

The IIIT Ranchi student death has triggered protests by nearly 1,000 students pursuing BTech, MTech and PhD courses at the Indian Institute of Information Technology, Ranchi. The agitation began after first-year student Aditya Singh died, with protesters alleging that inadequate campus facilities and shortcomings in emergency medical arrangements need to be investigated.

Students have been protesting for two days, gathering on the road at Khelgaon connecting to Tatisilwai. They are demanding answers from the institute administration and action against those found responsible.

Students Raise Concerns Over Hostel and Medical Facilities

Protesters have alleged that the food served in the hostel was of poor quality and unhygienic. They also raised concerns about the emergency response when Aditya Singh needed hospitalisation.

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According to the students, the hostel lift was not functioning, the ambulance driver was absent and the ambulance lacked an oxygen mask and other essential equipment.

These allegations have intensified questions about the availability and maintenance of facilities intended to protect students’ health and safety. However, the claims have not yet been established through an independent inquiry.

The protesters have also accused institute director Rajeev Srivastava of corruption and demanded his resignation. These allegations remain unverified.

Institute Chairman Promises Investigation

Lieutenant General A. K. Bhatt, chairman of the institute, met the protesting students and urged them to end their agitation. The students, however, remained firm on their demands.

Police later cleared the road, but the protest continued.

Bhatt assured students that a proper investigation would examine the circumstances surrounding Aditya Singh’s death. He said that anyone found guilty following the inquiry would face action.

On the demand for the director’s immediate removal, Bhatt said the appointment process involved approval at the level of the President of India, making an immediate decision on removal difficult.

Students Seek Accountability and Action

The inquiry is expected to examine the circumstances of the student’s death, alongside allegations concerning hostel conditions, emergency medical arrangements and the institute’s administration.

For the protesting students, the central demands remain transparency, accountability and action against those found responsible. The outcome of the investigation is likely to be crucial in addressing their concerns.

Relevant Link: Official IIIT Ranchi website