Tragic Incident at IIT Bombay: Student's Death Sparks Protests
Student's Death Raises Concerns
File image of the deceased student Sahil Wakode(Photo: IANS)
Mumbai, Sep 19: A second-year student from the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Bombay tragically took his own life after being caught using a mobile phone during an exam, leading to student protests on the Powai campus. This incident occurred on Friday evening and marks the third suicide reported at IIT Powai in the last six months.
The student, identified as Sahil Wakode, was studying in the Department of Energy Science and Engineering. Reports indicate that he attempted to upload an exam question to ChatGPT for answers while the test was ongoing.
According to IIT Bombay, no disciplinary actions were initiated against him following the incident. The examination instructor and the Head of the Department had a discussion with Wakode, providing him with counseling and assuring him that the incident would not negatively affect his academic standing.
After this conversation, Wakode returned to his hostel room, where he was later found deceased.
IIT Bombay expressed its sorrow over the loss and stated that it is offering support to those impacted by this event.
"The Institute is providing assistance to the student's friends, classmates, faculty, and others affected by this tragic occurrence," the statement read, adding that the circumstances of the death are under investigation by the relevant authorities.
In response to the incident, a group of students gathered on campus to protest, claiming that the administration had not fully disclosed the details surrounding the student's death.
Some protesters alleged that Wakode had been threatened with a one-year suspension due to the exam incident, which could have forced him to leave the hostel and reside off-campus.
Students further argued that such disciplinary measures could have delayed his graduation beyond the typical four-year timeline.
They suggested that the anxiety and pressure from potential disciplinary actions might have contributed to the student's tragic decision. However, these claims have not been independently verified.
The protesters demanded increased transparency and accountability from the administration. One student stated, "We are protesting because a suicide occurred in our college today. We seek accountability, transparency, and answers from our administration." Another student raised concerns about multiple incidents on campus this year, questioning whether adequate measures were being taken to address their underlying causes.
In the wake of the protest, a significant police presence was established on campus. Discussions took place between student representatives and the administration in an effort to address the situation.
Senior police officer Dattatray Nalawade confirmed that an investigation into the student's death is ongoing, noting that students gathered to voice their concerns following the incident, while the IIT administration engaged in talks with them to find a resolution.