Global Ambedkarite And Buddhist Groups Question IIT Bombay’s Response To Sahil Wakode Death, Seek Apology And Inquiry Reforms

Ambedkarite and Buddhist groups from around the world have sent a letter to IIT Bombay Director Professor Shireesh Kedare, criticizing the institute's response to the death of student Sahil Wakode and demanding significant reforms to the inquiry process. The groups, located in North America and Europe, are urging the institute to withdraw its initial statement regarding Wakode's actions, restructure its internal inquiry committee, and provide a written response to their demands within 15 days.

The organizations claim that the institute's announcement about Wakode using a phone to upload an exam question paper to ChatGPT created a biased narrative that incited hostility against Scheduled Caste and Scheduled Tribe communities. They point out that while the institute later expressed regret over the disclosure, it failed to issue a public apology to Wakode's family or the affected communities.

The signatories argue that the composition of the internal inquiry committee should be altered, with it being headed by a retired judge or an independent figure from outside IIT Bombay, with external members comprising the majority. They also demand that at least two senior Scheduled Caste/Scheduled Tribe members and two student representatives from those communities be included in the committee.

The groups insist that Wakode's family's lawyers be allowed to present evidence and question witnesses, and that the inquiry report be published within two weeks, detailing the events of September 18 in a minute-by-minute account.

The letter questions the release of CCTV footage from the examination hall and demands its preservation and handover to the Mumbai Police Crime Branch. It also urges the institute to explain how the footage ended up on social media and take disciplinary action against those responsible for its circulation. The organizations seek a confidential complaint mechanism for students and witnesses to report discrimination and targeting, along with written assurances that students, employees, and contractual workers will not face academic, hostel, or employment consequences for giving statements to the police or inquiry committee.

The groups also call for the restructuring of the Scheduled Caste/ Scheduled Tribe Cell to make it more independent and effective, the publication of complaint numbers and actions taken each semester, and the introduction of caste sensitization programs. The letter, signed by various Ambedkar associations and organizations, has been sent to the President of India, the National Commissions for Scheduled Castes, and the Ministry of Education, among others.