1 hr ago
IIT Bombay Students Question Official Account After Student Death
Sahil Wakode was a 22-year-old student at IIT Bombay.
He died by suicide in his hostel room after allegedly being caught with a phone during an exam.
Some classmates questioned the institute’s explanation of what happened.
They said the exam rules could lead to serious academic penalties.
One classmate also alleged that a professor used casteist words during the exam.
Wakode’s parents separately alleged that he faced caste discrimination.
IIT Bombay said no complaint had been filed with its SC/ST Students and Staff Cell.
Police are investigating, and the allegations have not been independently established.
Sahil Wakode, a 22-year-old IIT Bombay student, died by suicide in his hostel room after allegedly being caught with a mobile phone during an examination.
Students questioned IIT Bombay’s statement that no disciplinary action had been initiated against him.
Classmates said examination rules prescribe an FR grade and one-semester academic suspension for possessing a phone during an examination.
A classmate alleged that an invigilating professor used casteist slurs, while Wakode’s parents alleged caste-based discrimination at the institute.
IIT Bombay said no caste-discrimination complaint had been filed with its SC/ST Students and Staff Cell and that police are investigating the death.
- Who
- Sahil Wakode, an IIT Bombay student; his classmates, parents, IIT Bombay, and police are involved in the matter.
- What
- Wakode died by suicide after allegedly being caught with a mobile phone during an examination; students and his parents raised concerns about disciplinary procedures and caste discrimination.
- Where
- IIT Bombay in Mumbai, including the student’s hostel room and examination hall.
- When
- The death followed an examination; the police investigation is ongoing. A classmate also referred to an earlier alleged incident around three months before the examination.
- Why
- The reported circumstances include the alleged possession of a mobile phone during an examination, while the reasons surrounding the death remain under investigation.
Students and Family Allegations
IIT Bombay’s Response
Disciplinary action
Students and Family Allegations
Students questioned the institute’s statement that no disciplinary action had begun, citing rules that prescribe an FR grade and one-semester suspension for possessing a phone during an examination.
IIT Bombay’s Response
IIT Bombay’s official account said no disciplinary action had been initiated against Wakode.
Caste discrimination
Students and Family Allegations
A classmate alleged that an invigilating professor used casteist slurs, and Wakode’s parents separately alleged caste-based discrimination at the institute.
IIT Bombay’s Response
IIT Bombay’s SC/ST Students and Staff Cell said no caste-discrimination complaint had been lodged by Wakode with the Cell and reaffirmed the institute’s commitment to an inclusive environment.
Cause and circumstances of death
Students and Family Allegations
Students questioned whether the examination incident and its handling could have contributed to the death, while also raising concerns about the professor’s alleged conduct.
IIT Bombay’s Response
IIT Bombay said the circumstances are being examined by appropriate authorities, urged people not to speculate, and said it would cooperate with the police investigation.
Key facts
- Student
- Sahil Wakode, aged 22
- Institute
- Indian Institute of Technology Bombay
- Incident
- Death by suicide in a hostel room
- Exam issue
- Alleged possession of a mobile phone during an examination
- Stated academic rule
- FR grade and one-semester academic suspension for possessing a phone during an examination
- Caste allegations
- A classmate alleged casteist slurs; Wakode’s parents alleged caste-based discrimination
- Investigation
- Police have registered a case and the matter remains under investigation
Quotes
IIT Bombay SC/ST Students and Staff Cell
The institute cell responsible for SC/ST student and staff concerns.
“The academic rules clearly prescribe an FR grade and one-semester academic suspension for possession of a mobile phone during an examination. If the institute was not taking disciplinary action against him, why was he counselled in the first place? And if the institute had assured him that the incident would not affect his academic career, why did he still take this step?”
freepressjournal.in
“IIT Bombay is committed to providing an inclusive and respectful environment for all. The Cell will continue its sensitisation and awareness efforts to address caste-based biases, whether conscious or unconscious, and to uphold applicable anti-discrimination laws and Institute policies in letter and spirit.”
freepressjournal.in
Sources
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