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Ambedkarite Groups Demand IIT Bombay Apology, Inquiry Reforms After Death
Several Ambedkarite and Buddhist groups are unhappy with how IIT Bombay handled Sahil Wakode’s death.
They say the institute shared information about him too quickly after his death.
The groups believe this encouraged unfair criticism of Scheduled Caste and Scheduled Tribe communities.
IIT Bombay later expressed regret for sharing those details.
The groups say regret was not the same as a public apology.
They want an independent committee to investigate what happened.
They also want the family’s lawyers to help present evidence and question witnesses.
They are asking for CCTV to be protected, better complaint systems, and written answers from the institute.
Global Ambedkarite and Buddhist organisations questioned IIT Bombay’s response to Sahil Wakode’s death.
The groups demanded a public apology, withdrawal of the institute’s statement, and an independent inquiry.
They alleged the statement about Wakode using a phone during an examination created a one-sided narrative.
The organisations sought preservation of CCTV footage, family lawyers’ participation, and publication of the inquiry report.
They requested an independent complaint mechanism, SC/ST Cell reforms, and a response within 15 days.
- Who
- Ambedkarite and Buddhist organisations, IIT Bombay, Sahil Wakode’s family, and institute officials including Director Professor Shireesh Kedare.
- What
- The organisations questioned IIT Bombay’s response to Wakode’s death and demanded an apology, inquiry reforms, evidence preservation, and student protections.
- Where
- IIT Bombay in Mumbai; copies of the letter were sent to officials and authorities in India.
- When
- The organisations referred to events on September 18 and requested a written response within 15 days.
- Why
- They said the institute’s early statement created a one-sided narrative, fueled hostility toward Scheduled Caste and Scheduled Tribe communities, and raised concerns about the inquiry and CCTV circulation.
Ambedkarite and Buddhist organisations
IIT Bombay’s stated position
Public disclosure after Wakode’s death
Ambedkarite and Buddhist organisations
The organisations said the institute’s announcement that Wakode used a phone during an examination to upload the question paper to ChatGPT created a one-sided narrative and fueled hostility toward SC/ST communities.
IIT Bombay’s stated position
IIT Bombay later expressed regret for releasing those details, according to the organisations.
Public apology
Ambedkarite and Buddhist organisations
The organisations said IIT Bombay should publicly apologise to Wakode’s family and the Scheduled Caste community.
IIT Bombay’s stated position
The institute’s reported expression of regret did not include the public apology demanded by the organisations.
Inquiry structure
Ambedkarite and Buddhist organisations
The organisations want an external majority, an independent chair, SC/ST representation, student representatives, and participation by the family’s lawyers.
IIT Bombay’s stated position
The article does not state IIT Bombay’s response to these proposed inquiry changes.
CCTV footage
Ambedkarite and Buddhist organisations
The organisations want all relevant footage preserved and transferred to the Mumbai Police Crime Branch, along with an explanation of how footage reached social media.
IIT Bombay’s stated position
The article does not state the institute’s response to the CCTV-related demands.
Key facts
- Student
- Sahil Wakode
- Institution
- IIT Bombay
- Institute director
- Professor Shireesh Kedare
- Requested response period
- 15 days
- Requested inquiry report publication
- Within two weeks
- Requested inquiry leadership
- A retired judge or independent person from outside IIT Bombay
- Requested committee representation
- At least two senior SC/ST members and two student representatives from these communities
Sources
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