Youth Congress seeks arrest of IIT Bombay director, professor over Sahil Wakode death

Youth Congress national president Uday Bhanu Chib on Thursday, September 24, demanded the immediate arrest of IIT Bombay Director Shireesh Kedare and professor Suryanarayana Doolla in connection with the alleged suicide of 22-year-old student Sahil Wakode, while calling for an impartial investigation into the case.

Addressing a press conference, Chib alleged that Wakode had faced caste-based and mental harassment at the institute and was subjected to baseless allegations that contributed to his death.

Wakode, a second-year BTech student at IIT Bombay, was found hanging in his hostel room on September 18, hours after he was allegedly caught using a mobile phone to access ChatGPT during a mid-semester examination.

His parents have alleged caste-based discrimination and harassment, while IIT Bombay has disputed the allegations.

Doolla was removed as dean of administrative affairs earlier this week and sent on leave following protests by students.

Chib alleged that Kedare and Doolla had a role in the circumstances surrounding Wakode’s death and demanded their arrest. He said an inquiry conducted by the institute itself could not be considered impartial.

Chib also claimed that three students had died by suicide at IIT Bombay in the past seven months and demanded that data from Wakode’s laptop, mobile phone and other electronic devices, which he said were with the Crime Branch, be made available to his family.

“The Youth Congress will continue its fight until Sahil gets justice,” Chib said.

He added that Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi had spoken to Wakode’s parents over the phone, expressed his condolences and assured them that the Congress would continue to work for justice for their son.

Mumbai Youth Congress president Zeenat Shabreen claimed Wakode was a bright student and alleged that the accusations of copying against him were baseless. She said the institute later withdrew the allegation and apologised.

Shabreen further alleged that several students had complained of caste-based harassment at IIT Bombay but were being prevented from speaking about it and were facing pressure and threats concerning their careers.

A Youth Congress delegation led by Chib also met Mumbai Joint Commissioner of Police Manojkumar Sharma and sought immediate action against those allegedly responsible for Wakode’s death.