Representatives of IIT Bombay students published an official statement following the tragic death of student Sahil Wakode. They stated that they do not condone cheating or any other forms of academic misconduct, while simultaneously demanding reforms to address systemic problems within the educational institution.
Students gathered at the main entrance of IIT Bombay to protest the suicide of a student enrolled in the BTech program.
The IIT Bombay faculty forum spoke in support of Professor Suryanarayana Dulla on Monday after the institute removed him from his position as Dean of Administration amid protests related to the death of 22-year-old student Sahil Wakode.
The chairman of the faculty forum, Professor Rajkumar S Pant, stated in an official declaration that, contrary to reports from some media outlets, Professor Suryanarayana Dulla was not suspended from service at IIT Bombay and remains a member of the institute's faculty in good standing.
IIT-Bombay immediately removed Dulla from the position of Dean of Administration after the protests began following Wakode's death. Professor Dulla is mentioned in the First Information Report (FIR) filed based on the student's family complaint.
The student's death triggered a wave of protests on the IIT-Bombay campus. Students accused the institution of academic pressure, caste discrimination, and institutional harassment. On Monday, police detained members of the Youth Congress who were demonstrating near the gates of IIT-Bombay. Furthermore, security was increased within and around the campus due to the protests.
The institute issued a public apology after students accused it of 'defaming' Wakode without conducting a detailed investigation. As part of the protests, IIT-Bombay announced an Open Day with student participation on Monday in the Ceremony Hall. Students were invited to submit their questions through a special form, which will be discussed during a moderated session. This interaction is expected to give students an opportunity to voice their demands and concerns directly to the institute's management.
The parents of 22-year-old IIT Bombay student Sahil Ravindra Wakode have accused the institution of racial discrimination and institutional harassment following his death. Consequently, the police registered a case for abetment to suicide under the Indian Penal Code and also invoked the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act (SC/ST Act).
Sahil Ravindra Wakode, a second-year undergraduate student in Energy Science and Engineering, was found dead in his hostel room on the Pavai campus on Friday evening. Sahil's mother stated: 'My son was murdered and tortured. We demand justice.'
DCP Datt Nalawade reported that the case was filed against individuals named in the complaint submitted on behalf of Sahil's father, and that all aspects of the case will be investigated.
Initially, the police registered a report of accidental death as no suicide note was found. According to police information, Sahil's death occurred several hours after he was caught using a mobile phone during an exam. IIT Bombay stated that Sahil uploaded the examination paper to ChatGPT to get answers, and that no disciplinary action was taken against him.
According to IIT Bombay, an instructor and head of the department spoke with Sahil, explained the situation to him, and assured him that it would not affect his academic career. After this, he returned to his hostel room.
Protests took place on campus after Sahil's death. Protesting students claimed that after being caught using a mobile phone during an exam, he was threatened with suspension. They also demanded the resignation of IIT Bombay Director Shirish Kedare.
The institute refuted the claim of any disciplinary action against Sahil, reiterating that he was told it would not impact his academic career. IIT Bombay stated that it is supporting friends, classmates, faculty, and others affected by his death. The institute said: 'Appropriate officials are investigating the circumstances of the death.'
