IIT Bombay Students Demand Student Welfare Reforms, Greater Mental Health Support After Sahil Wakode Suicide

The Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Bombay students have called for reforms in the institute’s student welfare system and greater emphasis on mental health support following the tragic suicide of Sahil Wakode, a 22-year-old second-year BTech student. The incident, which occurred on September 18, has sparked protests on the Powai campus.

The Mumbai Police have booked Prof Suryanarayana Doolla, who was removed from his position as Dean of Administrative Affairs, under the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act and Section 108 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, following a complaint from Sahil’s family. Although students hold differing opinions on the matter, they all agree on the need for changes in student welfare, including the wellness cell, psychiatrist support, and related areas.

Students assert that their voices should be heard in decision-making processes. The caste angle surrounding the incident has been contested by students who claim that the media's portrayal of caste discrimination is incorrect. IIT Bombay has apologized for earlier statements characterizing the events leading to Sahil’s death, retracting claims that he was caught cheating without disciplinary action.

However, student groups remain dissatisfied with the decision to remove Prof Doolla from his position as Dean of Administrative Affairs.