Sahil Wakode, IIT-Bombay student who died by suicide on Friday with his parents claiming ‘harassment’
On Friday, Sahil Wakode (20), a second-year student in the energy science section, was caught using a mobile phone during an exam conducted between 2 pm-4 pm. “There have been several suicide cases in the past, with three being reported this year alone. I have lost my son, but I do not want any other child to be victimised,” said Ravindra.
Besides Doolla, the FIR mentions “other senior officials” and “other officials concerned”. But in a statement, IIT-Bombay said “no disciplinary action was initiated against the student”. “I will not conduct the final rites of my son till the accused persons are arrested,” said Ravindra. Its SC/ST cell, in an email sent to students, said it had not received any complaint from Wakode alleging discrimination. Wakode’s mother, Sonali, said the family visited him on campus over the weekend. He told us he was preparing for the exam. He was not at all stressed,” said Sonali. Advocate Nikhil Kamble, representing Wakode’s family, said the state should provide a special public prosecutor and conduct a speedy trial.
MUMBAI: In the FIR registered in the case of the IIT-B student’s death, Powai police have named Prof Suryanarayana Doolla from the energy science department who was the invigilator during the exam. He was also the institute’s Dean of Student Affairs in the recent past. He allegedly uploaded the exam paper on an AI platform for answers. He was subsequently found dead in his hostel room. This is the third case of suicide on the campus this year. Commenting on the contents of the FIR, Prof Shireesh Kedare, director, IIT Bombay, denied the existence of caste-based discrimination on campus, whether in day-to-day functioning or in the administration’s or professors’ approach. “And there is absolutely none in this case. In fact, caste-based information of every student is completely hidden and not available for anybody’s information. Wakode’s parents and some students alleged the professor had taken him out of the exam hall and threatened him with suspension. He was their only child. As the standoff continued, senior IPS officers reached the hospital and tried to persuade the couple to claim the body, assuring them of action. No action has been taken against the institute or its officials. Such cases never reach a logical conclusion; no permanent solution comes out. The family, however, did not file a complaint with the institute then. “It was a regular chat. IIT-Bombay has maintained no disciplinary action was initiated and he was counselled and assured that the incident would not adversely affect his academic career. Students, however, have alleged he was threatened with suspension. As per IIT rules, if students are found with any gadgets during the exam, they can be suspended for a semester. He also demanded an immediate release of compensation under provisions of the SC/ST Act to the victim’s family.
Wakode’s parents-Ravindra, an office-bearer with a multipurpose cooperative society, and Sonali, a govt school teacher-refused to claim their son’s body from the post-mortem centre at Rajawadi Hospital for over seven hours on Saturday. They also spoke to him for half an hour on Thursday night. The institute postponed mid-semester exams on Saturday, with protests continuing.
In his statement, which is part of the FIR, Ravindra alleged after entering the second year, his son had told him about facing harassment from Doolla for 3 months. You Can Also Check: Gold Rate in Mumbai | Silver Rate in Mumbai | Bank Holidays in Mumbai | Public Holidays in Mumbai | Mumbai AQI | Weather in Mumbai | Petrol Price in Mumbai | Diesel Price in Mumbai | CNG Price in Mumbai | LPG Price in Mumbai Stay updated with the latest Mumbai news.
An IIT-B spokesperson said they will cooperate fully with authorities and requested everyone to respect the family’s privacy. The couple eventually claimed the body late at night after police assured them the investigation had been transferred to the crime branch. An ACP-rank crime branch officer will conduct the probe. “We ask that people refrain from speculation as the investigation proceeds. Download the TOI App.