IIT Bombay Suicide: Parents Move Bombay High Court for CBI Probe and Witness Protection

Plea for Independent Inquiry

Ravindra and Sonali Wakode, the parents of 20-year-old IIT Bombay student Sahil Wakode, have filed a petition in the Bombay High Court. They are seeking a fair and independent investigation, specifically requesting that the case be transferred to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) or a Special Investigation Team (SIT). Sahil, a second-year BTech student from a scheduled caste, died by suicide on September 18.

Key Demands

The parents, represented by advocate Hitendra Gandhi, have raised several concerns regarding the ongoing investigation and the treatment of students. Their primary requests include:

• CBI or SIT Probe: A court-monitored investigation led by a retired Bombay High Court judge.
• Evidence Preservation: Immediate preservation of CCTV footage from the examination hall, corridors, the Head of Department’s office, and the conference hall.
• Witness Protection: Protection for students and staff who may have witnessed the events on September 18, and recording witness statements before a magistrate.
• Fair Process: Prevention of the selective release of evidence to the media.

Allegations of Harassment

The petition alleges that Sahil was subjected to mental torture and caste-based humiliation, which led to his suicide. The parents claim that on September 18, Sahil was removed from an examination hall by professor Suryanarayan Doolla over an alleged infraction. Instead of following standard procedures, the petition alleges that the student was berated, taken to the HOD's office, and forcibly held there. The Mumbai police have already filed an FIR against professor Doolla for the abetment of suicide.

The petitioners argue that the proximity between the alleged humiliation and Sahil's death is direct. The matter is expected to be mentioned for an urgent hearing before the Bombay High Court by advocate Prakash Ambedkar.

*Note: The allegations of harassment and abetment are currently part of a legal petition and remain under investigation by authorities.*