After three days of protests over the death of IIT-Bombay student Sahil Wakode, the institute administration has agreed to discuss and act on an 18-point charter of demands raised by students, following a late-night meeting between Director Shireesh Kedare and protesters on Sunday.
The meeting, which lasted around three hours and was livestreamed by students, took place at the institute’s main gate where hundreds had gathered since Friday demanding accountability. Kedare signed the document containing the demands, though institute officials said further discussions would continue and due process would be followed. A special meeting of the Board of Governors is scheduled for Monday, along with an open house with students.
Student Dies By Suicide After Alleged Cheating
The protests were triggered by the death of 20-year-old Sahil Wakode, a second-year BTech student in the Department of Energy Science and Engineering. Wakode died by suicide on Friday, hours after he was allegedly caught using a mobile phone during a mid-semester examination and uploading questions to an AI platform for answers. The incident marked the third student suicide reported on the Powai campus this year.
Students’ Charter Of Demands
Students have demanded the suspension of Professor Suryanarayana Doolla, who was invigilating the examination, an independent inquiry with student and external representation, greater administrative accountability, mental-health reforms, and assurances that no action will be taken against students participating in the protests. Some demands also call for a task force on student suicides, better student representation in decision-making bodies, and improved counselling and psychiatric support on campus.
Meanwhile, Wakode’s family has filed an FIR against Doolla and other institute officials, alleging abetment to suicide and harassment. The case has since been transferred to the Mumbai Crime Branch. The family has also alleged caste-based harassment, claims that the institute has denied.
Amid demands for action against the professor, IIT-Bombay’s Faculty Forum issued a statement backing Doolla, saying he was merely carrying out his duties under Senate-approved academic regulations. According to the forum, the professor reported an alleged case of academic malpractice in accordance with institute procedures and should not be blamed for performing his official responsibilities.
The institute is also moving ahead with plans to replace ceiling fans with wall-mounted fans in student hostels, a measure that had been under consideration following previous student deaths on campus.
