There is hope of a resolution over the standoff between protesters and IIT Bombay authorities following the death by suicide of a second-year BTech student on campus.
The institute has now apologised for what it called “statements contained in our earlier communication concerning the circumstances surrounding the unfortunate demise of Sahil.”
On the suspended professor, the faculty forum cited the institute’s prescribed procedure under which professor Doolla reported the incident to the authorities concerned for action.
The details and circumstances leading up to the incident remain subject to investigation by the appropriate authorities,” IIT Bombay said in a post on X. The forum said the student was found carrying and using an unauthorised smartphone during the examination.
“We apologise for the statements contained in our earlier communication concerning the circumstances surrounding the unfortunate demise of Sahil.
The matter escalated after protesters and the student’s family alleged Wakode was subjected to institutional harassment and caste-based discrimination on campus, due to which he died by suicide. The parents have filed a case under the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, 1989, alleging discrimination.
Mumbai Crime Branch Takes Over Investigation Amid Student Protests
The Mumbai Crime Branch has assumed control of the investigation into a recent death by suicide at IIT Bombay. Authorities are examining digital evidence from the student’s mobile phone, as no note was discovered in the hostel room. Police are expected to summon individuals named in the first information report (FIR) for questioning, including a person referred to as Doolla.
In response to the situation, the IIT Bombay administration has issued an apology for prematurely discussing details surrounding the incident before they were confirmed through proper investigative channels. This apology follows a meeting with protesting students, who have put forth 18 demands. These demands include calls for student representation in academic committees, an independent investigation into four recent suicides on campus, and mental health workshops for faculty members.
