Daijiworld Media Network - Mumbai
Mumbai, Sep 25: Union Minister Ramdas Athawale on Friday visited IIT Bombay and demanded a thorough investigation into the death by suicide of student Sahil Wakode, who died on September 18.
Athawale met the IIT administration and sought details about the case before visiting the hostel where Sahil was found dead.
The Union minister called for action against those found responsible for Sahil’s death and said the circumstances seen in the CCTV footage must be investigated. He specifically sought action against Professor Suryanarayan Doolla and said that if the investigation establishes his involvement, he should be arrested.
Athawale also said he suspected that Sahil may have faced harassment involving racist remarks, though the investigation into the matter is still underway. He said he would raise the issue with the central government and the Union education minister.
The minister further said that four students had died by suicide at IIT Bombay in the last two years, including three students from the Scheduled Caste community. He questioned why Dalit students were facing such circumstances and urged the IIT administration and rector to conduct an internal inquiry and take strict action against anyone found guilty.
Athawale also questioned the support extended by some IIT professors to Doolla, including rallies held in his support before the completion of the investigation. He said action should be taken if anyone was found to have violated the inquiry process.
"Any student who gets admission to the IIT is very clever and highly capable. Sahil's death should be thoroughly investigated and action should be taken against those responsible," Athawale said after his visit.
Meanwhile, Sahil’s parents, Ravindra Wakode and Sonali Wakode, began a hunger strike at Azad Maidan in Mumbai on Thursday, seeking justice for their son. They have alleged that Sahil faced caste-based discrimination on campus and have demanded a fast-tracked investigation, accountability and the arrest of those they hold responsible for his death.