IIT Bombay Suicide: Calls for Arrests, Parents on Hunger Strike
IIT Bombay Suicide: Calls for Arrests, Parents on Hunger Strike
Allegations of caste-based harassment and mental distress surround the death of IIT Bombay student Sahil Wakode. Youth Congress demands arrests as parents begin hunger strike for justice and an independent probe. #Justic
The tragic death of Sahil Wakode, a second-year student at IIT Bombay, continues to ignite widespread outrage and calls for justice. Wakode’s parents have initiated a hunger strike at Mumbai's Azad Maidan, demanding a thorough and impartial investigation into their son's passing.
The Indian Youth Congress has intensified the pressure, with national president Uday Bhanu Chib demanding the immediate arrest of IIT Bombay Director Shireesh Kedare and Professor Suryanarayana Doolla. Chib, speaking at a press conference in Mumbai, alleged that Wakode had endured caste-based and mental harassment at the esteemed institute.
He insisted on an independent investigation, free from any interference from the institute's administration, arguing that those facing allegations should not be in a position to influence the probe.
A central piece of the ongoing investigation is Wakode's locked iPhone, which authorities have struggled to access for crucial details.
The Mumbai Crime Branch has recorded statements from 20 individuals, while the National Commission for Scheduled Castes is also looking into the serious allegations of discrimination and harassment that preceded his death.
The Youth Congress highlighted a critical incident involving Wakode shortly before his death: an alleged examination malpractice where he was suspected of using his mobile phone. Chib questioned the institute's handling of the situation, stating that even if academic malpractice were proven, investigators must delve into how Wakode was treated afterward and what transpired leading up to his death.
He critically questioned the nature of the “counselling” Wakode reportedly received, asking, “What kind of counselling was this if a student ultimately took his own life?”
Further demands from the Youth Congress include granting Wakode's family access to data recovered from his laptop, mobile phones, and other electronic devices, once preserved for investigation. This, they argue, is vital to prevent any apprehension of evidence being altered or suppressed.
Mumbai Youth Congress president Zeenat Shabrin also questioned the basis of allegations that Wakode used ChatGPT during the exam, emphasizing the need for digital evidence retrieval to confirm such claims.
Shabrin mentioned that Wakode was a high-performing student, based on his academic records shown by his family.
Concerns have also been raised about other students' experiences at IIT Bombay, with Shabrin alleging that some students are fearful of speaking out about harassment. Chib pointed out that Wakode's death marks the third student suicide at IIT Bombay in the past seven months, underscoring broader issues regarding student welfare and treatment within the institution.
IIT Bombay has since formed its own panel to probe the death and has apologized for its earlier communications regarding the incident, while also deferring mid-semester exams.
