The parents of IIT Bombay student Sahil Wakode began a hunger strike at Mumbai’s Azad Maidan on Thursday, September 24, demanding action against those they hold responsible for their son’s death.
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Ravindra and Sonali Wakode have alleged that their 22-year-old son faced caste-based discrimination and harassment at the institute. They are seeking the arrest of officials named in the FIR and a speedy investigation into the circumstances surrounding his death.
IIT Bombay: Parents Demand Action in Sahil Wakode Case
Sahil, a second-year BTech student at IIT Bombay, was found dead in his hostel room on September 18. His parents have alleged that he had previously told them about caste-related slurs and discrimination at the institute.
The family has demanded immediate action against those named in the case. His father has also called for the release of complete CCTV footage related to the incident, saying it would help establish what happened.
Crime Branch Investigating Death
The case was transferred to the Mumbai Police Crime Branch following protests at the IIT Bombay campus. An FIR has named professor Suryanarayana Doolla in connection with allegations of abetment to suicide on grounds of caste discrimination. Doolla has been sent on leave to facilitate the investigation.
The allegations made by Sahil’s family remain subject to investigation. Authorities are examining the circumstances preceding his death, including events surrounding a mid-semester examination.
Parents Meet National Commission
Before beginning their hunger strike, Sahil’s parents met National Commission for Scheduled Castes Chairman Kishor Makwana in Mumbai and submitted a memorandum seeking a speedy investigation.
The commission has also conducted an inquiry at IIT Bombay, including discussions with senior institute officials regarding the events preceding Sahil’s death.
