3 hrs ago
IIT Bombay Signs Student Charter After Protest Over Death
Students at IIT Bombay protested after student Sahil Wakode died by suicide.
They were concerned about how he was treated after he was allegedly caught using a phone during an exam.
The students asked the institute to investigate the death independently.
They also asked for better counselling and mental-health help.
Other demands included student participation in important committees and clearer rules for complaints against professors.
The institute's director signed a document containing 18 promises and requests.
However, signing the document did not necessarily mean that every demand had been immediately accepted.
Police are investigating a case based on a complaint from Wakode's parents.
The institute says no disciplinary action had been started against Wakode and denies the allegation of caste discrimination.
IIT Bombay Director Shireesh Kedare signed an 18-point charter after three days of student protests.
The protests followed the September 18 death by suicide of BTech student Sahil Wakode.
Students demanded an independent inquiry, possible action against Professor Suryanarayana Doolla and a public apology.
The charter seeks expanded counselling, 24-hour mental-health support, faculty training and student representation in committees.
The institute said no disciplinary action had been initiated against Wakode, while police are investigating an alleged abetment-of-suicide case.
- Who
- IIT Bombay students, Director Professor Shireesh Kedare, Professor Suryanarayana Doolla and the family of student Sahil Wakode.
- What
- The director signed an 18-point student charter seeking an inquiry into Wakode's death, possible accountability and institutional reforms.
- Where
- The protest and meeting took place at the Indian Institute of Technology Bombay in Mumbai.
- When
- The charter was signed late Sunday after three days of protests; Wakode died on September 18.
- Why
- Students protested over Wakode's death and concerns about examination procedures, alleged treatment of him, mental-health support and institutional accountability.
Student Protesters
Institute and Faculty Representatives
Action against Professor Doolla
Student Protesters
Students demanded Professor Suryanarayana Doolla's immediate suspension and further action against anyone found responsible after an investigation.
Institute and Faculty Representatives
The director said the matter would follow due process, while the Faculty Forum said Doolla was performing approved invigilation duties and had reported alleged malpractice through the prescribed procedure.
Handling of Wakode's case
Student Protesters
Students sought an independent inquiry into Wakode's death, the hospital response and what they described as defamatory or selective public statements about him.
Institute and Faculty Representatives
IIT Bombay said no disciplinary action had been initiated, that Wakode was counselled and assured the exam incident would not harm his academic career.
Caste-discrimination allegation
Student Protesters
Wakode's family alleged caste-based harassment in its complaint to police.
Institute and Faculty Representatives
IIT Bombay denied the allegation and said Wakode had not submitted a complaint to its SC/ST cell or the administration.
Key facts
- Charter
- 18 demands signed by the IIT Bombay director
- Student
- Sahil Wakode, a second-year Energy Science and Engineering student
- Protest duration
- Three days
- Inquiry deadlines
- Interim report by September 30 and final report by October 15
- Mental-health demand
- A 24-hour psychiatrist-on-call facility, emergency doctors and expanded counselling
- Protester protection
- A written assurance against disciplinary, financial, legal, hostel-related or indirect action
- Police investigation
- An abetment-of-suicide case was registered following a complaint by Wakode's parents
Sources
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