Mumbai: Ambedkarite, Buddhist and anti-caste associations from across the world, many of whose members are alumni of various IITs, have condemned IIT Bombay’s handling of the death of 20-year-old BTech student Sahil Wakode.Right from prematurely releasing details about his exam conduct, following his death, to the faculty forum’s statement and the selective leakage of CCTV footage, the associations have signed a letter to the director, demanding an apology to Sahil’s parents, reconstitution of the internal inquiry committee and structural reforms in the institute to support students from the marginalised communities, and filling up the vacant teaching posts from reserved categories.Signed by around 20 groups, the letter sought an immediate withdrawal of the characterisation of Sahil’s conduct and a record that the case is under police investigation. The groups have called for an inquiry panel headed by a retired judge or other eminent external figure, with a majority of members from outside the institute, including at least two senior SC/ST members and two SC/ST student representatives.Alleging that the institute did not wait for the truth, the alumni pointed out that “an institution whose own faculty member is named in an FIR should not be publishing its version of the conduct of a student who can no longer answer for himself”.Explaining why a student from the marginalised community does not register a complaint with the SC/ST cell, the statement said, “…A student who is humiliated for his caste… has every reason to stay silent: fear of the examiner who will grade him, of the department that will recommend him, of the hostel he must live in, and of a cell that answers to the same administration. Silence is not proof that all is well,” they said, adding that the institute has failed to provide a mechanism that students can trust.The associations, therefore, have demanded a nationwide audit of caste discrimination, including complaints and their outcomes, anonymous student surveys, mental-health assessments, and compliance with Supreme Court directions on counsellor availability.Meanwhile, Sahil’s parents, Ravindra and Sonali, continued their hunger strike for the third day at Azad Maidan, demanding the arrest of the accused persons. While they are likely to continue the protest even on Wednesday, subject to the grant of permission, the family has sought protection from the commissioner of police, citing concerns for their safety, said their lawyer Nikhil Kamble. Pointing to the alleged leakage of the CCTV footage, the family has asked for police protection and measures to safeguard evidence to ensure a fair investigation.
