The parents of a deceased student from IIT Bombay have initiated a hunger strike at Azad Maidan in Mumbai. They are demanding accountability and action against those they describe as the ‘tormentors’ of their child. This protest underscores their call for justice in the wake of their loss.
The family said they had wanted to remain in Mumbai and begin their protest outside IIT Bombay on Wednesday morning, demanding the immediate arrest of two named faculty members — professor Suryanarayana Doolla and institute director Shireesh Kedare. In a video shared on social media that has since gone viral, the family alleged that they repeatedly asked the driver where they were being taken. The 20-year-old BTech student was found dead in his hostel room on September 18, hours after he was allegedly caught using a mobile phone during an examination.
The driver kept telling them he was taking them home, according to the family. They said they were tired and sleepy at the time. (With inputs from Niraj Pandit)
Family Alleges Forced Removal Ahead of Hunger Strike
Just hours before their planned hunger strike outside IIT Bombay’s Powai campus, a family claimed they were forcibly taken from Mumbai. They reported being driven against their will in a private car to Washim district, approximately 555 kilometers from the city, early Wednesday morning.
The parents met the National Commission for Scheduled Castes chairman in Mumbai and submitted a memorandum, seeking speedy investigation into their son’s death.
