IIT Bombay student death: Crime Branch scans CCTV footage from exam hall, hostel

On September 18, second-year BTech student Sahil Wakode was found dead in his hostel room at IIT Bombay. This tragic event sparked protests by IIT Bombay student representatives, who demanded systemic reforms and accountability within the institution. The protests were triggered by claims of caste discrimination and harassment linked to Wakode's death.

The student representatives clarified that their protests aimed to raise awareness of systemic issues and seek reforms to prevent future tragedies. They stressed that they do not condone cheating or academic misconduct. The IIT Bombay administration acknowledged the students' demands and assured a review of a charter of over 18 demands presented by the protesters.

However, they rejected calls for immediate actions like Professor Doolla's suspension. Students requested mandatory mental health sensitization for faculty and staff, along with the removal of Doolla as Dean of Administrative Affairs during the investigation to ensure its impartiality. The student body emphasized that their demonstrations were a push for systemic institutional reforms and rejected any claims of academic misconduct. They also rejected allegations of caste discrimination within the institute.