IIT Bombay students escalate protest after Sahil's death, announce hunger strike

Students at IIT Bombay on Friday announced a hunger strike after 14 days of protests over the death by suicide of BTech student Sahil Wakode, demanding accountability from the institute administration and sweeping reforms in its student welfare and disciplinary systems.

The students are also seeking an independent investigation into the circumstances surrounding Sahil's death, action on caste-related concerns and protection for students participating in the protest.

The announcement came as the institute observed a holiday. Students said the occasion, associated with Mahatma Gandhi's emphasis on peace, justice and equality, underscored their demand that the institute "walk the path it preaches".

The students said they would begin the hunger strike to press the administration to acknowledge what they describe as institutional failures and take concrete steps towards accountability.

Students seek accountability from IIT Bombay

According to the protesting students, hundreds gathered on campus after news of Sahil's death and marched towards the main gate. They called for the resignation of IIT Bombay Director Shirish Kedare and Professor Doolla, whom they have held responsible for concerns they say have emerged after Sahil's death.

Students said the Director joined the gathering but did not adequately address their concerns and instead repeated assurances of change. The protest continued through the night, with students discussing issues related to campus life and drawing up a list of demands.

The students continued their sit-in over the next two days, saying they had reached a collective view that meaningful change could begin only after the institute acknowledged its failures and accepted accountability.

They also alleged that promises made by the administration remained unfulfilled and accused the institute of subsequently using "fear and intimidation" against students.

14 days of protest turn into wider campus dialogue

The students said the administration had not formally responded to their demands despite repeated communication.

Over the 14-day protest, students held discussions on mental health, student-teacher relationships, academic and placement pressure, evaluation practices and how students cope with loss on campus.

The protest also became a forum for students from different batches, departments and degree programmes to discuss concerns affecting campus life. Students said these conversations assumed greater significance as they perceived several campus spaces as "increasingly being shut down".

The protesters said they would continue their agitation until the institute responds to their demands and takes what they describe as concrete steps towards accountability and reform.

Demands raised by students

1. Safety for Sahil's parents
The students have demanded that Sahil's parents be able to safely visit the IIT Bombay campus and meet students and the administration.

2. Suspension of Professor Doolla
They have sought the immediate suspension of Professor Doolla from all responsibilities until the ongoing criminal investigations against him are concluded.

3. Independent external investigation
The students have demanded that the existing investigation committee be dissolved, citing concerns over alleged prior expressions of support for Professor Doolla by some members. They want a new, independent external committee with no current IIT Bombay employees or students and have proposed that at least two of Bhalchandra Mungekar, P Sainath, Ram Puniyani and Sukhadeo Thorat be included.

4. Director's resignation
The protesters have demanded the resignation of Director Shirish Kedare, alleging failures in the institute's handling of student welfare and Sahil's case. They also referred to four student suicides over the last two semesters.

5. Reforms in the SWC
Students want a comprehensive review of the Student Wellness Centre (SWC), incorporating student feedback, along with six-monthly audits and public reports tracking progress. They have also demanded that the Dean of Students' Welfare be a medical professional.

6. Changes to the DAC system
They have sought greater transparency in the Disciplinary Action Committee (DAC), including an online portal carrying meeting minutes, communications and reports. They want appeals to receive a response within 48 hours, an end to permanent hostel expulsion as a disciplinary punishment and a graded, reformative disciplinary framework.

7. Reconstitution of the SC/ST Cell
The students have demanded that the SC/ST Cell be reconstituted in line with UGC requirements and that its reports from the past three years be released. They have also sought the filling of SC/ST faculty recruitment backlogs and action against what they describe as casteist attacks on Sahil and his family on social media and on campus.

8. Changes to academic and hostel arrangements
The protesters have sought an option for students from the same batch to stay on the same floor, a three-day buffer before and after mid-semester examinations and an end to multiple examinations being scheduled on the same day.

9. Safer working conditions for workers
Students have demanded safer working conditions for campus workers and measures to address gender disparities among workers.

10. No action against protesters
The students have demanded that no disciplinary or other action be taken against those participating in the protest at the Main Gate, either during or after the agitation.

The students said their protest would continue until the administration addresses the demands and takes concrete measures on accountability, student welfare and institutional reform.