IIT Bombay Students Announce Hunger Strike, List 10 Demands
IIT Bombay students have announced a hunger strike after 14 days of protest following Sahil Wakode’s death, seeking accountability, reforms and an independent probe.
Students at IIT Bombay have announced a hunger strike after 14 days of protests following the death by suicide of BTech student Sahil Wakode. The protesters are demanding accountability from the institute administration, reforms in student welfare and disciplinary systems, an independent investigation and action on caste-related concerns.
The students said their protest began after Sahil’s death and continued with sit-ins, discussions and campus gatherings. They alleged that the administration had not formally responded to their demands and claimed some assurances made earlier remained unfulfilled.
Their 10-point list includes protection for Sahil’s parents during campus visits, suspension of Professor Doolla pending investigation, replacement of the existing inquiry committee with an independent external panel and resignation of the institute director.
The students are also seeking reforms in the Student Welfare Committee, disciplinary proceedings and the SC/ST Cell, including regular audits, greater transparency in disciplinary records and action over alleged caste-based attacks.
Other demands cover hostel arrangements, examination scheduling, safer working conditions for campus workers and assurances that protesting students will not face disciplinary action.
The students said discussions during the 14-day protest focused on mental health, academic pressure, student-teacher relations, placements and evaluation systems.
The allegations and demands are those of the protesting students and remain subject to investigation and institutional response. The campus protest has now moved from sit-ins to a hunger strike, raising the pressure on IIT Bombay to address the concerns.
