Mumbai Police detained Youth Congress workers protesting outside the <a href="https://www.mid-day.com/mumbai/mumbai-news/article/iit-bombay-student-death-prof-suryanarayana-doola-removed-as-dean-amid-student-protests-23651100" target="_blank" rel="none noopener">Indian Institute of Technology Bombay (IIT Bombay)</a> on Monday over the death of a student, officials said, reported the PTI.
Security was tightened around the Powai campus following protests by students and political workers, they added.
A second-year BTech student in the Department of Energy Science and Engineering, was found dead in his hostel room on Friday evening.
According to officials, the student had allegedly been caught using a mobile phone during a mid-semester examination earlier that day.
His family has alleged institutional harassment and caste-based discrimination. The allegations triggered protests by students, who also claimed that he had faced severe academic pressure and threats of suspension, according to the PTI.
Some students have reportedly raised broader concerns about alleged <a href="https://www.mid-day.com/mumbai/mumbai-news/article/iit-bombay-student-death-institute-says-director-hasnt-resigned-apologises-for-earlier-statement-23651090" target="_blank" rel="none noopener">academic stress and institutional practices at the institute</a>.
<h2>Protesters detained outside main gate</h2>
Members of political and social organisations gathered outside the IIT Bombay main gate to protest against the administration.
&ldquo;A few protesters from outside organisations gathered at the main gate. They were promptly removed from the spot and taken into preventive custody,&rdquo; a police official said, according to the PTI.
Several locals and alumni also attempted to enter the campus. However, entry was restricted as a precautionary measure, with only current students and authorised staff allowed inside, an official said, the news agency reported.
<h2>Student raises concerns over academic pressure</h2>
A student who said he lived in the room next to deceased's accommodation said the two used to spend time together.
According to the PTI, the student said that academic pressure was allegedly a major concern but added that he had personally not witnessed caste-based discrimination on campus.
He also said a professor had reportedly taken the deceased out of the classroom after he was allegedly caught using a mobile phone during the examination.
<h2>Alumni allege systemic issues</h2>
Student groups and alumni have raised concerns about the <a href="https://www.mid-day.com/mumbai/mumbai-news/article/iit-bombay-student-death-mumbai-crime-branch-takes-over-probe-examines-digital-evidence-23651087" target="_blank" rel="none noopener">institute's handling of student welfare and mental health</a>.
An IIT Bombay alumnus alleged that students face threats of hostel eviction, suspension and financial penalties. He also alleged inadequate mental health support and shortcomings in caste sensitisation and the functioning of the SC/ST Cell, reported the PTI.
He further alleged that some official statements issued before a detailed investigation were aimed at protecting faculty members. These allegations have not been independently established.
<h2>Police deployment</h2>
Meanwhile, security has been stepped up around the institute following the protests.
Around 50 police personnel, including inspectors, sub-inspectors and women officers, have been deployed around the campus, while several police vans have been stationed near the main gates, an official said, the news agency reported.
Police said further <a href="https://www.mid-day.com/mumbai/mumbai-news/article/iit-bombay-protest-students-hold-dialogue-with-institute-director-on-day-3-23651086" target="_blank" rel="none noopener">investigation into the student's death</a> was underway.
(with PTI and ANI inputs)

IIT Bombay student death case: Mumbai Police detained Youth Congress workers protesting outside the Indian Institute of Technology Bombay (IIT Bombay) on Monday

IIT Bombay student death case: Congress workers protest outside institute; detained by Mumbai police

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Around 50 police personnel, including inspectors, sub-inspectors and women officers, have been deployed around the campus, while several police vans have been stationed near the main gates, an official said

IIT Bombay student death case: Congress workers protest outside institute; detained by police

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