IIT Bombay Director Signs 18-Point Charter After Student Protests Over Sahil Wakode’s Death

Director Professor Shireesh Kedare has signed an 18-point charter of demands submitted by protesting students following the death by suicide of 20-year-old student Sahil Wakode.

The development came after three days of demonstrations on the Powai campus, with students demanding accountability and a transparent inquiry into the circumstances surrounding Wakode’s death.

The agreement was reached after several hours of discussions between students and senior institute officials. The details of the agreement are expected to be presented to students at an open house on Monday, after which protesters will decide whether to continue their agitation.

Independent Probe Among Key Demands

One of the major demands in the charter is an independent investigation into the circumstances surrounding Wakode’s death. Students have sought an interim report by September 30 and a final report by October 15.

The charter also calls for an open house involving the institute director, Dean of Student Affairs and other senior officials. Students have demanded an apology over what they described as the public “defamation” of Wakode.

Other demands seek broader changes to the institute’s academic and student-welfare systems, including a code of conduct for faculty members, mental-health sensitisation for professors and staff, improved in-person counselling and changes to the disciplinary action process.

Students have also called for greater representation in institutional decision-making.

Mental Health Reforms And Student Protection

The charter proposes setting up a task force consisting of students, faculty members, mental-health professionals and external experts to examine student distress and recommend preventive measures.

The healthcare related demands include better mental-health and medical facilities, such as 24-hour psychiatrist service on call at the institute hospital.

Students have requested a written plan for implementation until Sept. 26. They have also requested that those who are peacefully protesting will not be disciplined.

The charter further states that the director should resign if the proposed reforms are not implemented within a month.

Professor Suryanarayana Doolla Suspended

Students had also demanded action against Professor Suryanarayana Doolla, who was the invigilator during the examination attended by Wakode shortly before his death.

Doolla was suspended on the evening of September 20 after sustained student protests. The IIT-Bombay Faculty Forum has backed him, maintaining that he was carrying out his invigilation responsibilities according to the institute’s prescribed procedures.

The professor’s name has also appeared in the FIR registered by Mumbai Police following a complaint from Wakode’s parents. The case includes allegations of abetment of suicide and provisions of the SC/ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act. The investigation has been transferred to the Mumbai Crime Branch.

Exam Incident Preceded Wakode’s Death

Wakode, a second-year student in the Energy Science and Engineering programme, was allegedly found using a mobile phone during a mid-semester examination on September 18.

IIT Bombay said he had uploaded the question paper to ai platform to seek answers. The institute maintained that no disciplinary proceedings had been initiated against him and that he was counselled by the instructor and Head of Department, who assured him that the incident would not adversely affect his academic career.

Protesting students, however, have alleged that Wakode was threatened with suspension. This claim has not been independently established and differs from the institute’s account.

Wakode was later found dead in his hostel room.

Caste Discrimination Allegations Under Probe

Wakode’s parents have alleged that their son faced caste-based harassment and discrimination. Based on the family’s complaint, police invoked provisions of the SC/ST Act and registered a case.

IIT Bombay has denied allegations of caste discrimination, stating that no such complaint had been submitted by Wakode to the institute’s SC/ST cell or administration. Police have said the case will be investigated from all angles.

The institute’s Board of Governors is also expected to consider the developments as the police investigation continues.

The administration is now expected to explain the Sunday night agreement to students at Monday’s open house, after which protesters will decide on the next course of their agitation.