Stories
NCP (SP) Alleges "Bigger Problem" in IIT Bombay Student Suicide, Cites National Crisis
- •NCP (SP) claims a "bigger problem" beyond exam copying led to the IIT Bombay student's suicide, calling it a national public health emergency.
- •Sahil Ravindra Wakode, a second-year BTech student, was found dead in his hostel room on September 18, sparking protests and a police case against a professor.
- •Parents allege caste discrimination and harassment, leading to charges under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita and SC/ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act.
- •NCP (SP) spokesperson Anish Gavande cited NCRB data, stating over 117 student suicides at IITs in 20 years and 14,488 student suicides in 2024.
- •Gavande criticized IIT Bombay's proposed fan replacement, arguing it won't solve the underlying suicide problem and urged expert consultation.
Key Questions Answered
Sahil Ravindra Wakode, a 22-year-old second-year BTech student, died by suicide on September 18. His death sparked student protests and a police case against a professor under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita and the SC/ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act based on allegations of caste discrimination and harassment by his parents.
The NCP (SP) claimed that a much bigger problem is involved, stating that students are not pushed to the brink of suicide simply for being caught copying in an examination. They termed student suicides a national public health emergency and questioned the institute's move to replace ceiling fans with wall-mounted fans.
After three days of student protests, the IIT Bombay administration agreed to an 18-point charter of demands submitted by the students. The institute also issued a public apology after students previously accused it of defaming the deceased student without a detailed inquiry.
