IIT Bombay has updated its anti-discrimination guidelines, stating that asking classmates about their caste, admission category, or entrance exam rank is inappropriate.
Mumbai—Following the death of Sahil Wakode, protests are intensifying from the IIT Bombay campus to Azad Maidan. Deepali Salve, Maharashtra General Secretary of the All India Independent Scheduled Castes Association (AIISCA) and Director of the SRC, issued a stern warning ahead of the release of the institute’s internal report. She stated that if Professor Suryanarayan Dulla is not permanently expelled from the institute, they will protest on campus and that Director Professor Shirish Kedare will be held responsible for whatever happens next. Meanwhile, Sahil’s parents have been on a hunger strike at Azad Maidan for several days, and AIISCA has called for a protest there on October 16.
Salve said that it is better to choose the path of rebellion than to succumb to injustice. According to him, this fight for justice for Sahil Wakode is no longer just a case, but a declaration of standing against oppression. He said, “This struggle will intensify until the perpetrators are put behind bars.”
Regarding IIT Bombay’s internal report, Salve said it was forthcoming and that he believed it would be in favor of Professor Dulla. Addressing the institute directly, he said that if Professor Dulla was not permanently expelled, they would storm the campus and hold Director Kedare responsible for “whatever happens.”
Sahil’s parents have been on a hunger strike at Azad Maidan in Mumbai for several days.
A six-member delegation was allowed to meet with Kedare regarding the death of student Sahil Wakode and the allegations against Dulla. However, activists said the director did not provide any clarity regarding the ongoing investigation nor did he assure immediate action against the professor. Protest organizers alleged that more than 30 protesters were detained, assaulted, and taken to the Powai police station before being released. They warned that they would return to campus if Dula was not suspended. The protesters alleged that students were dragged onto the road and excessive force was used.
AIISCA has appealed to all civil society organizations, Ambedkarites, community members, political parties, activists, and justice-minded citizens to show solidarity with them. The protest will take place at Azad Maidan on October 16th, starting at 10:30 am. Its slogan is “Justice for Sahil.”
The Ambedkar Periyar Phule Study Circle (APPSC) protested the incident that occurred on October 14th. The group also alleged that the administration opened the gate for the police and kept it closed for others. According to it, the administration has taken no action toward the students who have been on strike for 27 days, and has done nothing to conduct a fair investigation into the Sahil case, instead spreading “fake news” and promoting a “media trial.” The APPSC condemned the “coalition” between the administration and the Powai police and demanded that all voices be heard and that there be dialogue with the protesting students.
New Guidelines: What the Institute Said
According to a Hindustan Times report, IIT Bombay has updated its anti-discrimination guidelines, stating that asking classmates about their caste, admission category, or entrance exam rank is inappropriate. An email sent by the Dean of Student Affairs’ office stated that asking about caste, admission category, or entrance exam rank, even out of curiosity, can create prejudice and negatively impact students. The institute urged students, faculty, and staff to avoid conversations that reveal someone’s caste or background and to build friendships based on shared interests.
According to the email, while the question may seem innocent to the person asking it and may be motivated by mere curiosity, such a question can often have an adverse impact on another student. Sharing abusive, hateful, casteist, or gender-biased messages, as well as content that depicts prejudice based on religion or sexual orientation, is also prohibited. The institute reiterated its commitment to implementing the reservation policy “in letter and spirit” and warned of strict punishment for violations.
Statements Recorded So Far in the Police Investigation
According to the Hindustan Times, the Crime Branch has so far recorded statements from approximately 70 people, including Director Kedare, Professor Dulla, several students, and the deceased’s girlfriend and classmate. Police have gained access to the deceased’s phone, tablet, and laptop, but the iPhone has not yet been unlocked and is in the forensic laboratory in Kalina. Police have also sought documents from the institute, such as mark sheets, written complaints, and, if any, apologies.
Prof. Dulla is named in a police FIR alleging abetment to suicide on the grounds of caste discrimination, and has been sent on leave to allow a fair investigation.
Geetha Sunil Pillai
Courtesy: Hindi News