Demands CBI probe from Amit Shah, also questions IIT-B administration’s statements
Mumbai/New Delhi – Nagina MP and Bhim Army Chief Chandrashekhar Azad has written a strongly worded letter to Union Home Minister Amit Shah, demanding a CBI investigation into the suspicious death of IIT-Bombay student Sahil Wakode. In the letter, he also demanded an investigation into the alleged police brutality against students demanding justice following his death. Sahil died on September 18th. More than a month later, no conclusive results have emerged in the case, and the controversy has deepened after protesters were brutally assaulted during a demonstration called by the All India Independent Scheduled Castes Association (AIISCA) on October 18th.
In his letter, Chandrashekhar Azad described Sahil’s death as “extremely serious and worrying.” He wrote that Sahil’s parents have been continuously fighting for justice since the incident, and their resorting to a hunger strike shows the pain they are going through to learn the truth about their son’s death.
The letter also raises questions about the IIT-Bombay administration. According to Azad, the administration’s “irresponsible statements” have created confusion in the case. He also wrote that despite more than a month having passed, the Mumbai Crime Branch’s investigation has not reached any conclusive conclusions, and Sahil’s mobile phone has not yet been unlocked. According to the letter, this situation raises serious concerns about the progress of the investigation and the preservation of crucial evidence. He also raised serious questions about the allegations of excessive force being used against Sahil, deviating from the prescribed procedure.
Azad made the following demands to the Home Minister:
- The investigation into Sahil’s suspicious death should be immediately handed over to the CBI.
- An impartial investigation should be conducted into the mobile phone, examination hall records, relevant documents of the institute, and the circumstances before and after the incident.
- An investigation should be conducted into the police behavior toward the protesting students on October 18th.
- The studies and academic future of the protesting students should not be adversely affected.
The letter stated that no family should be forced to struggle for long to learn the truth about the death of a loved one. Azad also appealed for “respectful and sensitive” treatment of students demanding justice.
October 18th: Action taken against ‘Justice Corner’
Since Sahil’s death, a protest site called ‘Justice Corner’ had been operating outside the student campus, where a sit-in had been ongoing for three weeks. On October 18th, this site was removed. Protesters and supporting organizations allege that the Mumbai Police forcibly removed the site and detained those protesting.
Among those detained were AIISCA founder Rahul Sonpimple, secretary Deepali Salve, and several other activists and students. Sahil’s parents, Ravindra Wakode and Sonali Wakode, were also detained. They were on a hunger strike demanding justice for their son. Student organizations and social activists are deeply angered by this treatment of students peacefully demanding justice and a grieving family. Regarding the police brutality, Deepali said, “The Mumbai Police should understand that we are Dalit Panthers and the children of Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar. We know our history and are carrying forward his legacy. We will not remain silent on the police brutality against student activists or the brutal tearing of Babasaheb’s portrait.”
The All India Lawyers Association for Justice (AILAJ) has expressed solidarity with Sahil’s family and the IIT-B students’ demand for an independent investigation. The organization strongly condemned police brutality, the detention of Sahil’s grieving parents, and peaceful protesters. AILAJ reiterated its demands to “Stop Institutional Killings” and “Implement the Rohit Act.”
Laptops, Medicines, and Keys Confiscated After Protest
After the protest site was removed, approximately 22 to 25 protesters moved into “Justice Corner 2.0” inside the Nandan Nilekani Main Building, near the offices of the Director and Chief Security Officer (CSO). They demanded the removal of Director Shirish Kedare and the appointment of an administrative representative for negotiations. The protesters allege that repeated emails sent to the institute received no response.
The removal of the protest site has presented a new crisis for the students. They allege that their personal belongings, including laptops, chargers, hostel keys, medicines, shoes, and wallets, were confiscated and have not yet been returned.
According to a Mumbai Mirror report, a student stated that his laptop has been confiscated for two days, even though an exam is scheduled for Wednesday at 11 a.m. Students claim the laptop contains documents and study materials necessary for the exam.
The key crisis is also serious. It is alleged that three protesters’ hostel keys were left in their unreturned bags, preventing them from accessing their rooms. One student stated that they had to go to their rooms to shower and change, but they didn’t even have slippers.
The most concerning issue is medication. One student alleges that their keys have been withheld for three days, preventing them from accessing their medications and medical records. According to the student, they take medication for severe depression, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). The lack of medication has caused them severe anxiety and vomiting when trying to eat. They stated that they were advised to go to the hospital to show their medical records, which is impossible without the keys. Emails to the Chief Medical Officer also received no response.
The students were allegedly taken to several locations in an attempt to get their belongings back. They were first sent to the main building, then to the main gate, and then to the Powai police station, where the police stated that the items were missing. When contacted, the CSO was initially told it was confidential, then told that the items were on campus but would not be returned without informing the police. The students submitted a list of missing items, but were allegedly made to wait from 3 to 3:30 p.m., yet they were unable to find them. A security guard reportedly told them that the items were locked in a storeroom. The students refused to sign the receipt without inspecting the items, so as not to be held responsible for the missing items. One student said, “Our main demand right now is that they return our belongings. At least our keys or medicines.”
Geetha Sunil Pillai
Courtesy: Hindi News