MUMBAI: The investigation into IIT-Bombay student Sahil Wakode’s death saw fresh developments on Thursday, with Congress MP Varsha Gaikwad and several party and NSUI workers detained during a protest outside the institute, while IIT-Bombay reissued its apology over its earlier communication on the circumstances surrounding his death.Gaikwad, who had gathered outside the institute’s Powai campus to express solidarity with Sahil’s family, demanded a comprehensive probe and accountability.She termed Sahil’s death an “institutional murder” and alleged that students face humiliation and difficulties, particularly on the basis of caste or religion.Youth Congress president Uday Bhanu Chib also demanded the immediate arrest of the IIT-Bombay director and another professor and sought an impartial probe into the case.The developments came as protests over the death continued on campus and questions remained over the events preceding Sahil’s death.His parents have alleged caste-based discrimination and harassment and have sought a CBI probe. The Mumbai Police Crime Branch is investigating the case.
IIT-Bombay reissues apology
The institute on Thursday re-shared an apology it had first posted on September 21, saying it was inappropriate to have released or characterised details about the circumstances leading to Sahil’s death before they had been established through the investigation.The apology followed the institute’s earlier communication that had said Sahil used a mobile phone during an examination to upload the question paper to ChatGPT and seek answers.IIT-Bombay had subsequently apologised for the way it characterised the circumstances surrounding his death.In its reissued statement, the institute said the details and circumstances leading up to the incident remained subject to investigation by the appropriate authorities.
CCTV footage adds to questions over exam
The developments also came a day after CCTV footage from the examination hall emerged, showing Sahil’s movements shortly before he left the hall on September 18.A 50-second video accessed by TOI shows Sahil seated on the first bench in the middle of the hall between 12.30pm and 12.45pm. He is seen bending down and looking at something in his pocket before a professor approaches and questions him.Sahil then gets up, collects his belongings and prepares to leave. Before exiting, he appears to hand something to the professor, who is outside the CCTV frame at that moment.The Crime Branch is examining CCTV footage from the examination hall, campus and hostel to reconstruct Sahil’s movements. Police said he reached his hostel room at around 1.25pm and did not step out thereafter.Sahil, 22, a second-year BTech student in the Department of Energy Science and Engineering, was found dead in his hostel room on September 18.
Family alleges caste discrimination
Sahil’s parents, who are from Yavatmal, have alleged caste-based discrimination and harassment, and have filed a case under the SC/ST Act.They have also sought access to CCTV footage and other evidence, alleging that several people could have been involved in the circumstances leading to his death.Powai Police registered a case of abetment of suicide against multiple people, with the family naming some individuals.Faculty member Suryanarayana Doolla, who has been named in the FIR, has been sent on leave to facilitate an impartial probe, according to officials.While students had alleged that Sahil was threatened with suspension after being caught with a mobile phone during his examination, IIT-Bombay had said no disciplinary action was initiated against him.The institute said the instructor and head of department had counselled him and assured him that the incident would not adversely affect his academic career.
Protests, political reactions intensify
Student protests and counter-protests have continued at IIT-Bombay following Sahil’s death. Student representatives said their demonstration was not intended to justify cheating or academic misconduct but to raise concerns over systemic issues and seek institutional reforms.Congress leader Rahul Gandhi also spoke to Sahil’s parents and assured them of support in their fight for justice, party sources said. Gandhi made a video call to the family while they were travelling to Mumbai from Washim district.The political response has intensified alongside the campus protests, with Gaikwad accusing the BJP and RSS of damaging the education system and alleging that such incidents were recurring. Her remarks came while the Crime Branch probe into Sahil’s death remains underway.
Sahil’s parents begin hunger strike
Parents of deceased IIT Bombay student Sahil Wakode later began an indefinite hunger strike on Thursday, seeking justice for their son and action against those they allege tormented him, news agency PTI reported.“Those who tortured my son should be put behind bars. He had told us that he repeatedly faced caste discrimination at the institute,” Sahil’s father Ravindra said.The parents had earlier met Kishor Makwana, chairperson of the National Commission for Scheduled Castes, and submitted their demands to the commission. The Commission has taken suo moto cognizance of the matter and have filed a complaint and will be investigating it.(With agency inputs)
