Parents Demand Immediate Arrest of IIT Bombay Professor Following Students Tragic Death
Parents of IIT Bombay student demand arrest of professor after their sons suicide, citing harassment and discrimination claims.
Mumbai, September 22 (Daily Kiran) : Authorities in Mumbai are facing mounting pressure following the tragic death of a second-year IIT Bombay student, Sahil Wakode. His parents are calling for the immediate arrest of Professor Suryanarayan Dulla, who has already been dismissed from his role as Dean of Student Welfare at the institute.
Sahil was found dead on the IIT Powai campus last week, shortly after being caught using a mobile phone during an examination. This incident prompted protests from students at the campus, who expressed their outrage over the circumstances surrounding his death.
Speaking to reporters, Sahil’s father, Ravindra Wakode, emphasized the importance of swift action, urging police to arrest Dulla as soon as possible. “An investigation is underway, but the authorities must act quickly,” he said. He also presented a copy of the FIR, noting that appropriate charges have been filed.
Ravindra reiterated previous allegations that his son had been subjected to caste-based harassment and discrimination. He stated, “He was tormented. This is not a case of suicide; he was an exceptionally talented student. Passing the JEE Advanced exam is no small feat. Accusations that he cheated are merely distractions from the real issue.”
Reflecting on the struggles his son faced, Ravindra admitted that encouraging Sahil to adapt to the pressures of IIT was a significant mistake. “I wanted him to have a bright future,” he said.
Sahil’s mother, Sonali Wakode, echoed her husband’s sentiments, lamenting that their attempt to provide moral support during a visit to his hostel may have contributed to his distress. “If we had taken him home that day when he expressed feeling harassed, he might still be alive,” she remarked, though she expressed confidence in the judicial system to deliver justice.
In the meantime, the Mumbai Crime Branch has recorded statements from Sahil’s parents. An official statement revealed that Sahil owned a locked iPhone, and investigators are seeking technical assistance to unlock the device. They hope to access data that could shed light on the situation, including chat histories.
IIT Powai has a dedicated SC/ST cell and a student counseling center where students can report issues or seek help. Police plan to reach out to both departments to determine if Sahil had previously filed complaints or sought counseling.
