IIT-Bombay student death: Protests continue for second day; campus groups seek reforms

Students protest at IIT-Bombay campus on Saturday. PIC/BY SPECIAL ARRANGEMENT

The protests at the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT)-Bombay continued for a second day on Saturday.

A second-year student was found dead on the Powai campus on Friday evening, following which students staged protests. The student had allegedly been found using a mobile phone during an exam earlier that day. Police said the probe is on.

"We held a candle march for the deceased student, and the protest kept going throughout the day. We plan to protest tomorrow as well as on Monday, depending on the communication we receive from the officials," said a third-year BTech student, on the condition of anonymity.

While students made multiple demands, sources told mid-day.com that they were trying to consolidate their requests.

"The protests will be continuing as of now. We have asked for changes in the policy-level decisions, better handling of students, open dialogue, and some have even asked for resignations," said a campus resident.

The deceased student's parents were also present on campus and were asking for justice for their only child, he added.

Demands made by students

Student bodies on the campus, such as the Ambedkar Periyar Phule Study Circle (APPSC), have taken to social media platforms and published a list of demands as follows:

1. "Students representation in examination and other academic committees, where attendance, grades, course selection, and their drop are negotiated through a democratic channel.
2. Investigation and action on all those who are responsible for the death of the student.
3. Institution of a task force to address student suicides. Establishment of a code of conduct in students' affairs, promoting participation and democracy within campus.
4. Independent inquiry and public disclosure in all "four student suicides" this year.
5. No disciplinary actions against students, nor "intimidation" against those who are protesting for the justice of the student who was found dead in the campus on Friday.
6. Ending the normalisation of student suicides. Declaring break after mid-semester and end-semester examinations.
7. Mandatory mental health sensitisation workshop for professors. Ensuring smooth functioning of Students Wellness Centre.
8. Compensating the deceased student's family.
9. Creating a web portal for students where students can raise their concerns, anonymously, and it should be visible to all users."

Background

Hundreds of campus residents came out of their hostels to stage a demonstration against the administration at IIT-Bombay on Friday night, shortly after the news of a student's demise surfaced across the campus.

The institute released a statement on the incident, stating that the student was caught using a mobile phone during the examination on Friday. However, no disciplinary action was initiated against the student following the incident.

Students across the campus are now seeking administrative reforms, improvements to mental health infrastructure, compensation for the student's family, and changes in how student concerns are handled.

IIT statement

IIT-Bombay released a statement earlier on Saturday, clarifying that no disciplinary action was initiated against the student. The matter was also discussed with the student by the instructor, the faculty advisor, and the head of the department, who counselled him and assured him that the incident would not adversely affect his academic career.

The student subsequently returned to his hostel room. Later in the evening, he was found dead in his room.

The institute also extended its condolences while clarifying that the circumstances surrounding the death are being looked into by the appropriate authorities.

The police have filed a first information report (FIR) and are probing the case further.

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