IIT Bombay Suicide Row: The parents of Sahil Wakode, a 20-year-old IIT Bombay student who died by suicide on September 18, have appealed to the institute's students to support their demand for a fair and independent inquiry into his death. The family has questioned the composition of the existing inquiry committee and demanded that an external panel be constituted instead.
In a video message addressed to IIT Bombay students, Sahil's father, Ravindra Wakode, stated that he had visited the campus two or three times but was denied entry. He said he would continue his hunger strike at Mumbai's Azad Maidan and urged the students to stand by the family in their fight for justice.
Parents Raise Questions On IIT Bombay's Inquiry Committee:
Amidst protests by IIT Bombay students, a demand for an independent inquiry has emerged. Protesters have called for the dissolution and reconstitution of the existing committee, citing doubts regarding its impartiality. They have also questioned the inclusion of members who, according to the protesters, had publicly expressed support for Professor Suryanarayana Doolla before the investigation was even concluded.
Students have demanded the inclusion of external members in the new committee. The 'Ambedkar Periyar Phule Study Circle' has also called for greater SC/ST representation and the inclusion of an external member with relevant expertise. These demands have been raised by the student group and are distinct from the outcome of the ongoing criminal investigation.
Sahil Wakode's Parents Seek Action and permission to visit the campus:
Sahil's parents have also demanded the suspension of Professor Doola pending the completion of the criminal investigation. Doola is named in an FIR alleging caste-based discrimination and abetment to suicide. Earlier, following protests, IIT Bombay had removed him from the post of Dean.
The family has also questioned the institute's earlier communication regarding an alleged incident of cheating involving Sahil. IIT Bombay later apologized for that communication, while the investigation into the circumstances surrounding the student's death is still ongoing.
Students Hold Candlelight March at IIT Bombay:
Students at IIT Bombay held a candlelight march on Friday night, marking one week since Sahil's death. Protesters reiterated their demand for changes to the inquiry committee and expressed concern over the handling of the case. Along with other institutional demands, they have also called for the resignation of IIT Bombay Director Shireesh Kedare.
Meanwhile, the Mumbai Police Crime Branch is investigating the case. The police have recorded statements from 20 people, including students and staff, and are attempting to retrieve information, such as call logs and messages, from Sahil's locked phone.
Parents' Hunger Strike Continues At Azad Maidan:
Sahil's parents are on a hunger strike at Mumbai's Azad Maidan, demanding justice and a fair investigation. In a recent appeal, they urged IIT Bombay students to continue supporting the demand for an impartial probe.
The investigation into the matter is ongoing, and the allegations raised by the family and protesting students have not yet been substantiated by the findings of the criminal investigation.