Daijiworld Media Network - Mumbai

Mumbai, Sep 19: The father of a second-year student of the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Bombay, who was found dead on the institute's Powai campus, has alleged that caste-based discrimination and “torture” pushed his son to suicide and urged the government to take strict action against those responsible.

The student was found dead on Friday evening, hours after he was reportedly caught using a mobile phone during an examination by institute authorities. His death triggered protests by students on the Powai campus.

Speaking to reporters, the student's father, Ravindra Wakode, appealed for a thorough investigation into the circumstances surrounding his son's death.

“I appeal for a thorough investigation of those who pushed him towards suicide through torture and caste discrimination. I urge the government to ensure justice for my child by terminating those responsible for this incident,” he said.

Wakode alleged that his son had been depressed because of the “torture” he faced on campus.

“I could see it in his behaviour that because of the torture he faced, he was pushed into depression,” he said.

He said the family had tried to encourage the student and reassure him about his future.

“There was no conversation at all (with the student). We only tried to make our child understand, telling him to push through this time, that his career would turn out fine. But now, we are the ones suffering the loss,” Wakode said.

“Whoever is responsible for his death must be punished severely. My only request to the government is that prompt action be taken immediately against those responsible,” he added.

Meanwhile, students at IIT Bombay alleged that the institute administration mishandled the reported academic malpractice incident.

A student told IANS that the situation could have been handled differently if the student had been given a warning.

“The system didn't understand the mindset of the student, that he is a child after all. If there's any truth to the allegation of academic malpractice... if there had been a warning, he wouldn't have been so terrified as to take his own life. So somewhere, the way this situation was handled was completely wrong,” the student said.

The student further alleged that there had been insensitive behaviour by the administration.

“Somewhere there was insensitive behaviour from the administration due to which he took his life,” the student claimed.

Another student said the administration should have taken greater care while dealing with the student.

“The IIT Bombay administration shouldn't have pressurised him; they should have handled his mental state with care and considered what he was going through,” the student said.

Reacting to the incident, Union Minister of State Raksha Khadse assured that the matter would be thoroughly investigated and appropriate action taken.

“Whatever the cause was or whatever issues took place there, the government will make every possible effort to investigate thoroughly and take appropriate action,” she told reporters.