Mumbai: Student protests continued at IIT Bombay on Monday following the death by suicide of 20-year-old BTech student Sahil Ravindra Wakode. Wakode was found dead in his hostel room on September 18, hours after an incident during a mid-semester examination involving the alleged use of a mobile phone. IIT Bombay had initially said that no disciplinary action had been initiated against him at that stage.
Students and Wakode’s family have questioned the institute’s handling of the incident and alleged institutional harassment and caste-based discrimination. Following a complaint from the family, Mumbai Police registered an FIR against the concerned professor, and the case has been transferred to the Crime Branch for investigation.
After protests intensified, the administration met students on Sunday night and agreed to take forward an 18-point charter of demands. The demands include an independent investigation, greater student representation, stronger mental-health support and institutional reforms.
On Monday, IIT Bombay apologised for its earlier communication about the circumstances surrounding Wakode’s death, saying those details remained under investigation. Prof Suryanarayana Doolla’s deanship was suspended with immediate effect, with further action subject to the investigation.
The institute also clarified that Director Prof Shireesh Kedare has not resigned, calling reports of his resignation false
