IIT Delhi Suicide Case: Student’s parents demand investigation for ‘violation of rules’

NEW DELHI: The parent of Varad Nerkar, a MTech student who died by suicide at Dronagiri hostel in IIT Delhi on February 15, has urged the institute director to ensure an independent and external inquiry of alleged violation of rules. Varad’s parents, Sanjay Nerkar and Bharti Nerkar, have blamed two faculty members and a PhD student of IIT Delhi’s department of materials science for his death by suicide.

The parents, in a letter to IIT Delhi director Rangan Banerjee, claimed that Varad was under stress as his project guides were not assisting him. Mentioning about their complaints dated March 3 and 8, Varad’s parents in an email said, “We are disappointed that despite repeated appeals, you (IIT director) are not conducting an independent and external investigation into the death of our son to investigate possible violations of the internal rules, regulations and protocols of IIT Delhi.”

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The parents added that they have received a reply from the office of the registrar, IIT Delhi, on March 7 expressing solidarity and regret over the unfortunate demise of Varad Nerkar. The registrar also mentioned that the police have promised cooperation in the probe in the death case of Varad.

The parents have also asked the IIT director for an appointment. “We are so grateful to know that you stand with us in our pursuit of justice for Varad. We request you to please give us an early appointment so that we can discuss further. Please suggest a suitable date and time so that we can come to IIT Delhi to meet you in person,” they added.