More than 20 students at IIT Bombay were detained by Mumbai police during protests seeking justice for Sahil Wakode, a second-year BTech student who died by suicide. The students were demonstrating against alleged caste-based discrimination and institutional apathy related to Wakode's death.
- Over 20 students and representatives detained by Mumbai police at IIT Bombay campus
- Protests demand justice for Sahil Wakode, who died by suicide amid cheating allegations
- Parents filed FIR accusing a professor of caste-based harassment
- Students allege police used excessive force during detentions
- Protest site near IIT Bombay gate was demolished by police
Why were students protesting at IIT Bombay?
Students have been protesting near the IIT Bombay campus gates in Powai for about a month. They are demanding justice for Sahil Wakode, who died by suicide after allegedly being caught cheating during a mid-semester exam. Wakode's parents have accused an IIT Bombay professor of caste-based harassment and filed a First Information Report (FIR) under abetment to suicide and the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (SC/ST) Act. The Mumbai Crime Branch is investigating the complaint.
What happened during the police action on campus?
During the protests, Mumbai police detained over 20 students and their representatives. Several students claimed that police used extreme force, including tearing clothes, kicking, and choking protesters. Videos shared by students show police pulling and detaining individuals inside a bus on the IIT Bombay campus. Wakode's parents were also reportedly detained at the protest site. Additionally, police demolished the protest site near the main gate where students had been demonstrating for a month.
Has IIT Bombay or Mumbai police made any official statements?
As of now, neither IIT Bombay nor Mumbai police have issued detailed official statements regarding the detentions or the allegations of excessive force used during the protests. Students have questioned the IIT Bombay administration about the deployment of police inside the campus and who authorized it. All detainees were taken to the Powai police station, according to student reports.
What changes have been made following the protests?
Following the protests and the tragic death of Sahil Wakode, IIT Bombay has scrapped stricter exam cheating rules and restored the original 'student-friendly' norms. This decision came after campus unrest and discussions about the circumstances surrounding Wakode's suicide.
What support is available for those at risk of suicide?
If you know someone at risk of suicide, it is important to reach out to them. Individuals experiencing distress or suicidal thoughts can seek help by calling helplines such as AASRA at 9820466726 or iCALL at 9152987821. These organizations provide emotional support and counseling to those in need.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Who was Sahil Wakode?
A: Sahil Wakode was a 22-year-old second-year BTech student at IIT Bombay who died by suicide after allegedly being caught cheating during an exam.
Q: Why are students protesting?
A: Students are protesting to demand justice for Sahil Wakode, alleging caste-based discrimination and institutional negligence related to his death.
Q: What allegations have been made against IIT Bombay staff?
A: Wakode's parents have accused an IIT Bombay professor of caste-based harassment and have filed an FIR under relevant legal provisions.
Q: How did the police respond to the protests?
A: Mumbai police detained over 20 students and their representatives, with allegations of excessive force during the detentions.
Q: What has IIT Bombay done in response to the incident?
A: IIT Bombay has reversed stricter exam cheating rules, restoring original norms considered more student-friendly.
