IIT Bombay student Sahil Wakode’s death sparks candle march and calls for accountability

Activists gather at Dadar’s Chaityabhoomi in solidarity with Sahil Wakode’s family

Activists from groups such as All India Independent Scheduled Castes Association (AIISCA) and Progressive Students Union gathered at Dadar's Chaityabhoomi on the evening of October 25 to show solidarity with Sahil Wakode and his protesting parents. Sahil, a 20-year-old IIT Bombay student, was found dead in his hostel room last month, after which his father filed an FIR under abetment and the SC/ST Act.

Candle march

Wakode's parents, who are protesting at Azad Maidan, attended a candle march organised by the groups. Meanwhile, their legal team has complained about the alleged media leak of CCTV footage, conversations, and an apology letter related to Sahil's case while the probe is ongoing.

The candlelight march organised by the protesters. Pics/By Special Arrangement

The protesters are demanding...

>> The arrest of the professor named in Ravindra Wakode's FIR
>> Greater and more inclusive representation of SC and ST professors at IIT-B
>> The suspension of police personnel who allegedly used force against students protesting on the IIT-B campus on October 18

Open letter

Nearly 80 protesting groups and educators have signed a letter addressed to the IIT Bombay director, demanding accountability for alleged administrative failures and his resignation.

Police detain activists during the protest at Chaityabhoomi. Pics/SHADAB KHAN

The letter outlines four main concerns
>> IIT Bombay's initial, later-withdrawn press statement alleging Sahil Wakode was caught cheating on the day he died
>> The IIT Bombay Faculty Forum's stance in support of Suryanarayana Doolla
>> The alleged leak of CCTV footage to the media
>> Alleged police brutality against students protesting on campus

Activist Speak

Rohan Sonpimpale, director, AIISCA
‘A member of our group was already detained at her home in Chembur ahead of the gathering. Today, our group simply wanted to pay a tribute to Sahil at our community's space - Chaityabhoomi - and we don't see why such police presence is necessary'

Three key organisations

All India Independent Scheduled Castes
Association (AIISCA)
Aamchi Padhai
Aamchi Ladhai
Progressive Students Union