The case of death of IIT Bombay student Sahil Wakode is in the headlines these days. Sahil's family has demanded the arrest of Professor Suryanarayan Dulla and the institute's director Shirish Kedare. Sahil's father Ravindra Wakode alleged that his son was allegedly facing caste remarks, discrimination and mental pressure. Police have registered an FIR in the case and handed over the investigation to Mumbai Crime Branch. The family's allegations are being investigated. They have not yet been independently verified.
Father made serious allegations
While talking to the media, Sahit's father said that his son had earlier also told him about the alleged caste comments and discrimination from the professor. The father alleged that Professor Dulla had been targeting Sahil for a long time. The father claims that Sahil had informed the family about his problem but had advised his son to study in IIT and handle the situation.
The family alleges that caste based remarks were allegedly made against Sahil and he was threatened that action would be taken against him. Along with Professor Dulla, the father also demanded investigation into the role of director Shirish Kedare and arrest of both.
Sections of SC-ST Act and incitement to suicide in FIR
Based on the complaint of Sahil's father, the police have registered a case against Professor Suryanarayan Dulla under relevant sections of Abetment to Suicide and Scheduled Caste and Scheduled Tribe Prevention of Atrocities Act. Other people have also been mentioned in the FIR. The case is now being investigated by Mumbai Crime Branch. The investigating agencies are also examining evidence and CCTV footage related to the incident.
Student died after exams
Sahil Wakode was a second year BTech student in the Department of Energy Science and Engineering, IIT Bombay. On September 18, an issue regarding use of mobile phone during the examination came to light. According to IIT Bombay, Sahil had allegedly tried to get the answers by uploading the exam question paper on ChatGPT. The institute had said that the instructor and head of the department had talked to Sahil about this matter and it was explained to him. According to IIT Bombay, no formal disciplinary action was initiated against him at that time. A few hours later, Sahil was found dead in his hostel room.
IIT Bombay denies allegations of caste discrimination
Amidst the allegations of caste discrimination made by Sahil's family, IIT Bombay has said that no matter of caste discrimination has come to light in the institute. According to the institute, the student had not lodged any such complaint with the administration or the SC-ST cell. However, the family's complaint and allegations have been included in the police investigation.
Crime branch is investigating the case
After Sahil's death, students also protested in the IIT Bombay campus and raised the demand for investigation into the matter. Now Mumbai Crime Branch is investigating the case. The incidents during the examination, CCTV footage, digital records of the student and other available evidence are being looked into in the investigation. At present, the allegations of caste harassment and discrimination made by Sahil's family are a matter of investigation. Only after the police investigation is completed will it be clear what circumstances and incidents played a role in the student's death.