IIT-Bombay Students Continue Sit-In On Day 9: What Is Their 10-Point Demand Charter After Sahil Wakode’s Death?

The main entrance of Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Bombay has remained the site of a student sit-in for eight consecutive days following the death of second-year B.Tech student Sahil Wakode on September 18.
Demonstrating students have referred to the protest site as “Justice Corner” and are seeking action on a range of issues concerning the circumstances surrounding Wakode’s death, the institute’s response, and student welfare mechanisms.

THE PROBE

The protest followed the death of Wakode, after which his family raised allegations of harassment and caste-based discrimination against Professor Suryanarayana Doolla. The Mumbai Police registered a case under provisions related to abetment of suicide and the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention

of Atrocities) Act. The investigation has since been taken over by the Crime Branch. According to student protesters, Wakode was reprimanded by Prof. Doolla during an examination over an alleged instance of exam misconduct. Students have alleged that the incident was handled publicly and that the institute’s initial communication about the matter was premature. The Crime Branch has been recording statements from people present during the examination and other witnesses, while examining available CCTV footage as part of the investigation. Students have also raised concerns over the institute’s handling of information following Wakode’s death. They have questioned the release of statements and CCTV footage relating to the examination incident, arguing that the material did not provide the full context of what happened. The institute later apologised for its preliminary communication concerning the circumstances of Wakode’s death. Prof. Doolla was also sent on leave while the investigation is underway. At a September 21 Open House meeting, some faculty members expressed support for Prof. Doolla. Students have cited this as a reason for seeking an independent inquiry, with no current IITB employees, students, or anyone with prior caste discrimination allegations, saying they have concerns about the impartiality of an internal investigation.

10-POINT DEMAND CHARTER

The students have now formalised their concerns through a 10-point demand charter. Among their key demands are safety assurances for Wakode’s parents during their visits to the campus, suspension of Prof. Doolla pending the investigation, and the resignation of Director Shireesh Kedare over what the students describe as administrative lapses.
The charter also seeks the dissolution of the existing internal inquiry panel and its replacement with an independent external committee. Students have called for structural changes to the Student Welfare Centre, Disciplinary Action Committee, and SC/ST Cell.
Another demand is that students participating in the peaceful sit-in should not face disciplinary action for their involvement in the protest.
“Every day around 80-100 students gather at the justice corner to demand justice for Sahil Wakode. This is our 9th day of protesting, and we will continue to do so until our demands are met. Previously, oral assurances were given but they were not fulfilled, so we continue to protest,” said an IITB student on the condition of anonymity.
The institute’s administration has maintained that internal processes and the police investigation are underway. The Crime Branch inquiry will examine the circumstances surrounding Wakode’s death and the allegations raised by his family.
With the protest continuing into its second week, the dispute between student groups and the institute administration remains centred on the investigation, the handling of information, disciplinary procedures, and mechanisms for student welfare.