Students at IIT Bombay have declared a hunger strike after a 14-day protest concerning the recent suicide of BTech student Sahil Wakode. They are calling for accountability from the institute’s administration and are focused on several key issues that include the ongoing investigation into the incident, student welfare, and caste-related matters. This announcement coincided with the institute designating a holiday, which the students linked to the principles of peace and justice advocated by Mahatma Gandhi.

In a demonstration of solidarity, hundreds of students gathered on the campus after hearing about Sahil’s demise. They proceeded to march towards the main entrance, where they demanded the resignations of Director Shirish Kedare and Professor Doolla. Following this gathering, students reported that despite the Director’s presence, he failed to address their concerns and merely reiterated previously made promises.

The protest persisted throughout the night, during which students deliberated various pressing issues affecting campus life. They collectively decided that meaningful change could only commence once the administration acknowledged its shortcomings and accepted responsibility for its failures.

Students Engage in Discussions Throughout Extended Protest

Despite voicing their demands, students claimed that the IIT Bombay administration had yet to offer any formal response. Throughout the 14-day protest period, students facilitated discussions addressing critical topics such as mental health, student-teacher dynamics, pressures related to placement, evaluation methods, and dealing with bereavement on campus. These sessions fostered dialogue among students from different batches, disciplines, and degree programmes at a time when many communal areas on campus were reportedly being restricted.

Students remained resolute in continuing their protest and outlined a comprehensive set of ten demands directed towards the administration. These demands encompass the safety of Sahil’s family on campus, the suspension of Professor Doolla during criminal investigations, and the reconstitution of the currently established inquiry committee due to perceived bias among its members.

Among other stipulations, the students proposed that a completely independent external investigation be assembled, comprising individuals who have no associations with past allegations of caste discrimination. They also called for immediate changes to various governance structures and policies regarding student welfare and disciplinary proceedings.

Specific Demands Addressing Institutional Shortcomings

The students’ ten demands include measures to ensure that Sahil’s family feels secure on campus as well as an immediate suspension of Professor Doolla from all responsibilities. They also insist on dissolving the current investigation committee, which has been criticized for its lack of impartiality due to some members’ public support for Professor Doolla. The reform of the Student Welfare Committee (SWC) is also a priority, with students seeking a regular audit every six months, along with a mandate that the Dean of Students’ Welfare possess a medical background.

Additional requests highlight the creation of a dedicated portal for tracking Disciplinary Action Committee (DAC) proceedings, ensuring timely communication and transparency. Students demanded an alternative disciplinary framework that is reformative rather than punitive and urged the reconstitution of the SCST Cell as per University Grants Commission (UGC) guidelines to address caste discrimination effectively.

Moreover, they have called for respect for their rights during protests, specifically protection from punitive actions for those who participated. The discontent among the student body stems from a perceived lack of responsiveness from the administration, leading them to continue their hunger strike until their demands are adequately addressed and actionable steps towards reform are taken by the institution.

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