The Jawaharlal Nehru University Students’ Union (JNUSU) has shown strong support for the hunger strike led by the parents of Sahil Wakode and protesting students at the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Bombay. This protest demands immediate justice following the tragic suicide of Sahil Wakode, a student at IIT Bombay, on September 18.
- JNUSU backs the hunger strike by IIT Bombay students and Sahil Wakode’s parents.
- Protests began on September 24, with demands for the arrest of two IIT Bombay officials.
- Students allege that the administration has failed to meet their demands, including the suspension of Professor Suryanarayana Doolla.
- Key demands include an independent investigation, changes in the inquiry committee, and the resignation of IIT Bombay’s director.
- The administration has been accused of avoiding genuine dialogue with students.
Why are IIT Bombay students and Sahil Wakode’s parents protesting?
The protests began after Sahil Wakode, an IIT Bombay student, committed suicide on September 18. His parents, Ravindra and Sonali Wakode, started protesting on September 24, demanding the arrest of two IIT Bombay officials whom they believe are responsible for their son’s death. The students joined the protest, turning it into a hunger strike on October 2, to demand justice and accountability from the institute.
What are the main demands of the protesting students and parents?
The students and Sahil Wakode’s parents have several demands:
- An independent and transparent investigation into Sahil Wakode’s death.
- Changes in the inquiry committee appointed by IIT Bombay.
- The resignation of IIT Bombay Director Shireesh Kedare.
- The suspension of Professor Suryanarayana Doolla, who has been accused of caste-based discrimination by the Wakode family.
How has the IIT Bombay administration responded to the protests?
The administration initially promised to suspend Professor Doolla, but this was later reduced to a suspension from his role as Dean rather than a full suspension. The promised open house for students was criticized as insincere, with some professors and the director openly supporting Professor Doolla. Furthermore, the administration has not provided the weekly updates it promised regarding the investigation and actions taken.
Why did the students start a hunger strike?
According to JNUSU, the administration has repeatedly avoided genuine engagement and dialogue with the protesting students. Due to the lack of progress and unmet demands, the students were compelled to escalate their protest by beginning a hunger strike on October 2 to press for immediate justice and accountability.
Are Sahil Wakode’s parents allowed to participate in the protests on campus?
Sahil Wakode’s parents have faced restrictions during their protest. They were not granted permission to continue their protest at Azad Maidan over the weekend. They also attempted to meet the protesting students on the IIT Bombay campus but did not proceed after the institute denied formal permission. The students are demanding that the parents be allowed access to the campus to join the protest.
What is JNUSU’s stance on this issue?
JNUSU has expressed complete solidarity with the protesting students and Sahil Wakode’s parents. The union demands immediate justice and accountability from IIT Bombay’s administration. JNUSU supports the call for an independent investigation and administrative changes to address the concerns raised by the students and the Wakode family.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Who was Sahil Wakode?
A: Sahil Wakode was a student at IIT Bombay who tragically died by suicide on September 18.
Q: What are the accusations against Professor Suryanarayana Doolla?
A: Sahil Wakode’s parents have accused Professor Doolla of caste-based discrimination, which they believe contributed to their son’s death.
Q: What actions have the protesting students demanded from IIT Bombay?
A: The students demand an independent investigation into Sahil Wakode’s death, changes to the inquiry committee, the resignation of the IIT Bombay director, and the suspension of Professor Doolla.
Q: Why did the students start a hunger strike?
A: The hunger strike began because the administration failed to meet the students’ demands and avoided genuine dialogue, prompting the students to escalate their protest.
Q: Are Sahil Wakode’s parents allowed to join the protests on IIT Bombay’s campus?
A: Currently, the parents have not been granted permission to protest on campus, and students are demanding that they be allowed access.
