IIT Bombay Protests End, But Student-Faculty Divide Deepens Over Caste, Accountability And Doolla Action

Mumbai: The protests at IIT Bombay following the death of student Sahil Wakode have concluded, yet the conflict between students and faculty persists over issues of caste discrimination, accountability, and the institute's actions against Professor Suryanarayana Doolla. With regular lectures back on schedule after three days of campus demonstrations, the divide has grown within the student body.

A segment of students claims that the manner in which Wakode’s death was handled and the administration's response must be examined through the prism of caste discrimination. They are pushing for institutional accountability, enhanced protections for marginalized students, and the implementation of the remaining points from their 18-point charter.

Some posted on social media, stating that the protest continues as their demands haven't been fully met, with Prof Doolla to be suspended until an investigation is carried out, for violating committee rules and for the DAC hearings to be public, with a medically qualified professional on the Student welfare committee. In contrast, other students argue that the incident should not be framed by caste until the investigation is completed, fearing that unverified allegations could deepen divisions and unfairly target individuals.

Despite the suspension of protests, uncertainty looms over the resumption of mid-semester examinations and the extent to which the students' demands have been met. Faculty members also exhibit a split in opinion regarding the handling of Professor Doolla’s case. While some back the institute’s decision, citing administrative accountability, others worry that such a move could set a troubling precedent and undermine the faculty's ability to carry out their duties.

The Maharashtra government is in the process of forming a panel to address the issue of new college locations, with Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis ordering the expansion of CET centres. Amid these differing perspectives, political organizations have continued to demonstrate outside the institute, while academic activities have resumed as normal within the campus.