IIT Bombay Director Signs 18-Point Charter After Protests
IIT Bombay Director Signs 18-Point Charter After Protests
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Key Points
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The agreement followed a roughly three-hour late-night meeting at IIT Bombay’s main gate that was livestreamed by students. A special meeting of the Board of Governors and an open house with students were scheduled for the following Monday.
2
Wakode, a second-year BTech student in the Department of Energy Science and Engineering, allegedly used a mobile phone during a mid-semester examination and uploaded exam questions to an AI platform for answers. His death was reported as the third student suicide on IIT Bombay’s Powai campus that year.
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The IIT Bombay Faculty Forum said Professor Suryanarayana Doolla was invigilating a mid-semester examination from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. on September 18, found a student using a smartphone without authorization, and reported the alleged “academic malpractice” under Senate-approved procedures.
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Wakode’s family has also alleged caste-based harassment in connection with his death, a claim IIT Bombay has denied.
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Unverified videos circulated on social media claiming that IIT Bombay’s director had resigned, but no official confirmation of a resignation had been issued; reports said the institute had been considering possible measures involving the director.
IIT Bombay's director signed an 18-point charter after three days of protests over the death of 20-year-old student Sahil Wakode, who died by suicide in September. News18 reported that the agreement came after a late-night meeting at the institute's main gate that was livestreamed by students. The charter addresses demands for an independent inquiry, improved mental health support, and possible suspension of a professor involved in the incident.
Wakode, a second-year engineering student, allegedly used a phone during an exam and uploaded questions to an AI platform. Mid-Day reported that the incident marks the third student suicide at IIT Bombay's Powai campus that year, prompting calls for systemic reforms and greater accountability from institute leadership.
What Happened During the Exam
On September 18, Professor Suryanarayana Doolla was invigilating a mid-semester exam from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. when he spotted Wakode using a smartphone without permission. News18 stated that Doolla reported the alleged academic malpractice following official Senate-approved procedures. The professor's actions triggered a chain of events that led to Wakode's death weeks later.
Wakode's family filed a case alleging abetment to suicide and harassment against Doolla and other officials. The case was transferred to Mumbai's Crime Branch. Times of India reported that the family also alleged caste-based harassment, though IIT Bombay has denied this claim.
Students Demand Independent Probe and Reforms
The 18-point charter calls for an independent inquiry into Wakode's death, interim and final investigation reports, and accountability for those found responsible. Khel Ja reported that students also demanded an apology over alleged public defamation of Wakode and protection from disciplinary action for peaceful protesters. The charter seeks greater student representation in institute decision-making at all levels.
The agreement includes reforms like improved counseling and psychiatric care, mandatory mental-health training for faculty, and changes to disciplinary procedures. News18 stated that a task force will be formed with students, faculty, mental-health professionals, and outside experts to oversee implementation. However, officials noted the demands remain subject to further discussion and due process.
Next Steps and Unresolved Questions
Director Shireesh Kedare signed the charter during a roughly three-hour meeting at the main gate. Newsable reported that a special Board of Governors meeting and an open house with students were scheduled for the following Monday to discuss implementation. The director's signature signals administrative commitment, though specifics on enforcement remain unclear.
Unverified videos circulated on social media claiming the director had resigned, but no official confirmation was issued. Times of India reported that the institute had considered possible measures involving the director. The Faculty Forum defended Professor Doolla's conduct, complicating efforts to reach consensus on accountability and next steps.
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