Parents of IIT Bombay student call on state chief minister after suicide

The parents of IIT Bombay student Sahil Wakode, who died by suicide, have appealed to Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis for direct involvement in the case. They have been protesting at Azad Maidan for 16 days and say no government or institute officials have met them. On October 19, students set up a new sit‑in called “Justice Corner 2.0” near the campus Ambedkar statue, a day after police cleared a month‑old protest site at the gate.

What Happened

The family’s lawyer, Siddharth Ingale, noted that police recorded Professor Suryanarayan Doolla’s statement on October 1, two weeks after the tragedy, and that the professor has been booked for abetment to suicide. Ingale questioned why CCTV footage of alleged exam malpractice, a confession letter and a phone‑call record were released only after that statement. He also raised concerns about the professor’s overseas travel while the probe is ongoing.

Reaction

Students demand an external agency to investigate, changes to the institute’s inquiry committee, the resignation of director Shireesh Kedare and the suspension of Professor Doolla. The All India Independent Scheduled Castes Association condemned the police’s force on activists during the October 18 gate protest and urged the state and national SC commissions to act. Activist Rahul Sonpimple announced plans for rallies across districts.

What's Next

The parents have asked for a Deputy Commissioner‑rank officer to take over the inquiry and for the institute to clarify who prompted the professor’s letter and whether exam rules allow it. They also seek details of the professor’s travel permissions.

Context

Campus protests in India often flare when students perceive bias or misconduct by faculty, especially involving caste issues, leading to calls for outside investigations and higher‑level political attention.