‘We ask same questions’: Parents of past IIT-Bombay suicide victims join protest over Sahil Wakode’s death

Following the suicide of second-year B Tech student Sahil Wakode at IIT Bombay, parents and relatives of other students who took their own lives at the institute have joined a protest. Ramesh Solanki, whose son Darshan Solanki died by suicide in 2023 after alleging caste-based discrimination, attended the protest. He expressed dissatisfaction with the investigation into Darshan's death, fearing similar questions might remain unanswered in Sahil's case.

Solanki's concerns revolve around the missing detail in the Mumbai Police's chargesheet regarding the student who overheard Darshan's concerns about caste-based discrimination. Solanki emphasized his desire for a thorough investigation to prevent further tragedies on campus.

Sunita and Sanjay Ambhore, parents of Aniket Ambhore, who died by suicide at IIT Bombay in 2014, also supported the Wakode family. They joined Sahil's parents in questioning student well-being, counseling services, and the added pressures faced by students from reserved communities. Sunita highlighted the ongoing concerns about the academic environment and the response to students who make mistakes during examinations.

The Ambhores criticized the delayed internal inquiry report into Aniket's death, expressing dissatisfaction with its conclusions. They also noted that Aniket had spoken about facing challenges related to his reserved-category status, adding to their family's concerns.