IIT Bombay protests: Students reopen ‘Justice Corner 2.0’ over Sahil Wakode death

Sahil’s parents, Ravindra and Sonali Wakode. File pic

Ravindra and Sonali Wakode resumed their hunger strike at Azad Maidan on Monday, one month after their son's demise at the IIT Bombay campus. Police allegedly detained the parents at a police station the previous day.

[popcorn number="12k" desc="Approximate number of students on the IIT Bombay campus" class="Default"]

Probe questioned

Speaking to the media on Monday evening, the parents and their legal team expressed dissatisfaction with the current investigation into Sahil Wakode's death and demanded a new officer.

Advocate Speak

Advocate Siddharth Ingale, who is part of the parents' legal team
"We want the case to be given to the Deputy Commissioner of Police, and we want to ensure that the case is handled by a non-SC/ST official so we can exercise the atrocities act if need be."

Wider protests

Concurrently, the All India Independent Scheduled Castes Association hosted a press conference on Monday to condemn the alleged police brutality during Sunday's demonstrations. Meanwhile, IIT Bombay students restarted their protests outside the administrative building in an area they named ‘Justice Corner 2.0'.

Official apathy

The lawyer criticised the state's lack of attention, noting that authorities visited Tiger Shroff after a shooting, yet no state or education officials have visited the protesting parents.

Alumni stance

A group of IIT-B alumni released an open letter urging political parties to stay away from the campus, emphasising the right of nearly 12,000 students to pursue a peaceful and safe education.

Legal steps

Ingale stated they may also consider filing a writ petition to ensure a fair investigation.