In response to escalating student protests following the tragic death of 20-year-old IIT-Bombay student Sahil Wakode, the institute’s director, Professor Shireesh Kedare, signed an 18-point charter of demands on Sunday night. This agreement was reached after a three-hour meeting between the administration and students, who had been staging a sit-in near the main entrance of the campus. While the signing represents a significant moment since the protests commenced on Friday, it does not imply immediate implementation of all the demands.

During discussions, comments were made regarding the suspension of Professor Suryanarayana Doolla, the faculty member responsible for invigilating Wakode’s examination. Kedare stated that “we will follow the process” concerning this demand. An institute representative later clarified that conversations around the matter would continue, adhering to due process.

Circulating videos on social media platforms reportedly suggest calls for Kedare’s resignation. However, there have been no official confirmations regarding these claims. Speculation regarding the director’s potential resignation emerged on the evening of September 20, as sources indicated the administration was considering this move.

Investigations Underway Following Allegations

Professor Doolla has been implicated in a first information report lodged by Mumbai Police based on a complaint from Wakode’s family. The police have initiated an abetment-of-suicide case while invoking provisions of the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, following the family’s allegations of caste-based discrimination. The case has been reassigned to the Mumbai Crime Branch for further investigation.

Students are demanding action against Doolla, primarily in connection to the examination incident involving Wakode. The second-year student was allegedly caught using a mobile phone during a mid-semester examination, reportedly uploading the question paper to an AI platform. IIT-Bombay has stated that Wakode received counselling following the incident and was assured it would not impact his academic record.

Shortly after, Wakode was discovered dead in his hostel room. His parents have accused the institute of harassment and discrimination, claiming responsibility lies with its officials. IIT-Bombay, however, has denied these allegations, asserting no formal complaints regarding caste discrimination were made by Wakode to either the SCST cell or the administration.

Contents of the 18-Point Charter

The 18-point charter encompasses various aspects beyond the call for Doolla’s suspension. Among the students’ requests is a demand for an independent investigation into the circumstances surrounding Wakode’s death, with interim findings expected by September 30 and a final report due by October 15. They have also called for an open dialogue involving the director, the Dean of Student Affairs, and senior officials, along with an apology regarding what they termed as public defamation of Wakode.

Systemic changes are also a focal point of the charter, including advocating for a code of conduct for faculty members, mental health training for staff, comprehensive in-person counselling services, and a reevaluation of the Disciplinary Action Committee’s processes. Students have proposed a task force including faculty, mental health professionals, and external experts to develop strategies aimed at addressing student distress.

Additional demands include enhanced mental health services such as a 24-hour psychiatrist-on-call and the provision of a written plan for implementing these recommendations by September 26. Students have requested assurance that those participating peacefully in protests will not face repercussions and have called for the director’s resignation if reforms remain unimplemented within one month.

In a supportive stance, IIT-Bombay’s Faculty Forum has defended Professor Doolla, asserting he followed the institute’s established procedures during the invigilation. Their statement expressed concern over the damage to Doolla’s reputation and affirmed that he reported the examination irregularity as required. The administration is slated to provide further details about the agreement to students during an open meeting on Monday, after which the students will deliberate on the continuation of their protests. The Board of Governors is anticipated to convene as investigations into Wakode’s death persist.

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