Protesters demand independent investigation, accountability from institute
Mumbai: Students at the Indian Institute of Technology Bombay (IIT-B) have begun a hunger strike at their protest site, called “Justice Corner,” demanding an independent and transparent investigation into the September 18 death of second-year B.Tech student Sahil Wakode.
The students have been protesting for more than two weeks following Wakode’s death in his hostel room. The latest hunger strike is aimed at pressing the institute to respond to their demands and address concerns raised over student welfare, disciplinary procedures and institutional accountability.
Students Submit 18-Point Charter of Demands
The protesting students have submitted an 18-point charter to the IIT Bombay administration. Among their key demands are an independent investigation into Wakode’s death, changes to the institute-appointed inquiry committee, and action concerning faculty members named in allegations by the deceased student’s family.
Students have also called for the resignation of IIT Bombay Director Shireesh Kedare and the suspension of Professor Suryanarayana Doolla, who was involved in the examination incident preceding Wakode’s death. The allegations made against individuals remain subject to investigation and have not been established as facts.
The students said their protest is also focused on broader campus issues, including mental health support, student-teacher relationships, placement pressure, evaluation systems and the handling of student grievances.
Protest Follows September 18 Death
Wakode, a second-year B.Tech student, died in his hostel room on September 18 after an incident during a mid-semester examination. Reports said he was allegedly found using a mobile phone during the examination.
The circumstances surrounding his death have since led to protests on the IIT Bombay campus. The Mumbai Crime Branch is investigating the case, while IIT Bombay has also constituted an internal inquiry committee.
According to reports, the institute constituted a 10-member committee on September 22 to examine the circumstances surrounding the student’s death. Wakode’s parents have said they would appear before the committee if summoned.
Parents Continue Hunger Strike At Azad Maidan
Wakode’s parents have also been protesting at Mumbai’s Azad Maidan, demanding action in connection with their son’s death. His father, Ravindra Wakode, has demanded action against IIT Bombay Director Shireesh Kedare and Professor Suryanarayana Doolla.
The family has also raised allegations of caste-based discrimination and harassment. These allegations are part of the ongoing investigation and have been denied or disputed by parties involved, where applicable.
Ambedkarite Organisations Seek Independent Probe
More than 20 Ambedkarite organisations from India and abroad, including the Ambedkar Association of North America (AANA), have called for an independent investigation into the case.
In a letter to the IIT Bombay administration, the organisations reportedly sought changes to the existing inquiry process and called for independent members, including SC/ST students, faculty members and external experts, to be involved in the investigation.
They also objected to what they described as unverified allegations in the institute’s initial communication following Wakode’s death.
Political Intervention Also Sought
The issue has also drawn political attention. Congress MP Varsha Gaikwad has sought government intervention and called for an investigation into the circumstances surrounding Wakode’s death. She has also raised concerns about allegations made by the student’s family and sought action under applicable laws.
Meanwhile, the students have said they intend to continue their agitation through the hunger strike, maintaining that their demands centre on transparency, accountability and reforms in the institute’s student support and disciplinary systems.
The police and other authorities continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding Wakode’s death. Any allegations of harassment, discrimination or institutional responsibility will need to be established through the ongoing legal and investigative processes.