HighLights
  1. Sahil's father detained en route to IIT Bombay hunger strike.
  2. Accuses Professor Doollaa of caste-based slurs against his son.
  3. Police investigation ongoing into conflicting suicide circumstances.

Mumbai Police on Thursday detained Ravindra Wakode, father of IIT Bombay student Sahil who died by suicide, in the Bhadup area while he was en route to the Powai campus to start a hunger strike.

Ravindra, who has accused Professor Doollaa of hurling caste-based slurs against his son, said that he had planned the strike, demanding justice for Sahil.

Speaking about the detention, Ravindra's lawyer, Advocate Nikhil Kamble, said, "Today, Sahil’s family was on their way to IIT Bombay to stage a hunger strike, as they had announced at the press conference. Unfortunately, my clients have again been detained by Mumbai Police. They are not being allowed to go to IIT Bombay to stage the hunger strike. I believe they need to be provided legal protection rather than being detained."

The suicide that took place on September 18 has triggered a wave of protests in solidarity with both Shail and Prof Doolla.

ALSO READ: IIT-B Student Death Row: Why IIT Bombay Postpones Mid-Semester Exams? What Institute Says

A section of students protested for four days after their 18-point charter of demands was accepted by IIT Bombay Director Shireeshe Kedare. Another section of students and professors have expressed solidarity with Doolla, dismissing caste bias allegations against him.

There are conflicting reports on circumstances around Sahil's suicide that have led to a Crime Branch investigation and a 10-panel probe by the institute.

A video has surfaced from the examination hall, which purportedly shows Sahil using a mobile phone before Prof Doolla spotted him and Sahil walked out.

The video came amid claims that Sahil used AI during the examination and he died by suicide after he was caught doing so.

Professor Doolla has been sent on leave and suspended as Dean of Student Affairs as an investigation is underway in the case.

ALSO READ: IIT-B Suicide Case: ‘No Iota Of Evidence Against Him,’ Former IIT-Bombay Chairman Defends Prof Doolla | Watch

Earlier on Wednesday, Sahil's parents alleged that he had told them about the alleged caste discrimination on September 13 during their visit to the hostel. However, they claimed that they had insisted him to bear it for the sake of a bright future, which they regretted as a mistake.


Also In News