The Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Bombay's deputy director, Milind Atrey, clarified that the institute administration did not call the police during the student protest on October 18, 2023. The protest followed the suicide of Sahil Wakode, a BTech student, and involved demands for justice. The police presence and subsequent detention of students were linked to the visit of Congress MP Varsha Gaikwad and MLA Aslam Shaikh, as well as the arrival of Wakode's parents on campus.
- The police arrived as part of standard procedure for the visit of political figures and Wakode's parents.
- Students protesting behaved aggressively and obstructed police duties, leading to detentions.
- Approximately 20 students were detained and released the same day.
- Concerns were raised by faculty about a second round of detentions and handling of students' belongings.
- The administration collected students' belongings left at the main gate for safekeeping.
Why did the police come to IIT Bombay during the protest?
According to Deputy Director Milind Atrey, the police arrived on October 18 as part of the standard operating procedure for the visit of Congress MP Varsha Gaikwad and MLA Aslam Shaikh. The visit coincided with the arrival of Sahil Wakode's parents, who had requested permission to visit the campus. The administration allowed only the parents to visit and expressed condolences and support.
What led to the detention of students during the protest?
The administration stated that shortly before the arrival of the MP and Wakode's parents, some protesting students behaved aggressively toward police personnel and obstructed them from carrying out their duties. Due to this behavior, the police detained the students involved. These students were released by the evening of the same day.
Were there concerns about the handling of students' belongings?
The administration noted that students' personal belongings left at the main gate were collected because they were blocking the entrance. These items were put away for safekeeping and are ready to be returned following the standard lost-and-found procedure. However, some students and faculty members questioned this characterization, stating that the belongings were with the students during detention and should be returned collectively rather than treated as lost property.
What issues did faculty members raise about the police detentions?
Faculty members, including a professor, questioned the administration's account of the events. They pointed out that the deputy director's email did not explain the sequence of events clearly or address a second round of detentions. According to the professor, after the first group of students was detained and released, the MP and Wakode's parents met with the students and the IIT Bombay registrar. The police allegedly waited for the MP to leave before detaining 22 students again in the presence of the dean of student affairs. This second detention was not mentioned in the administration's response.
What has the student community said about the police actions?
The Ambedkar Periyar Phule Study Circle (APPSC) at IIT Bombay condemned the actions of the Powai police during the protest. Around 20 students were detained on October 18 while demanding justice for Sahil Wakode. Students expressed concerns about harassment and the treatment they received during the detentions.
Where can individuals seek help regarding suicide prevention?
If you know someone at risk of suicide, it is important to reach out and offer support. Individuals experiencing distress or suicidal thoughts can seek help by calling helplines such as AASRA at 9820466726 or iCALL at 9152987821. These organizations provide counseling and emotional support. Additional helpline numbers are available through suicide prevention organizations to assist individuals and families in need.
