IIT Bombay grapples with student suicide pattern linked to caste discrimination
Sahil Wakode's death has drawn attention to a troubling pattern of student suicides at IIT Bombay, where caste discrimination emerges as a recurring concern. His case mirrors several earlier incidents at the institute, suggesting systemic issues that warrant urgent examination. On September 28, Sahil's parents sat on a hunger strike at Mumbai's Azad Maidan, demanding the arrest of Professor Suryanarayan Doolla and IIT Bombay Director Shireesh Kedare. "I want justice for Sahil. That's the only demand I am making as Sahil's mother," said Sonali Wakode.
Sahil's story is not the first of its kind at IIT Bombay. On September 4, 2014, Aniket Ambhore, a fourth-year electrical engineering student, died by suicide after falling from the sixth floor of a hostel. His parents filed a complaint alleging that Aniket faced caste discrimination on campus. According to his mother, Sunita Ambhore, Aniket faced discrimination from his first day at IIT Bombay, with teachers and some friends taunting him for gaining admission through the reservation category. She noted that suicide results from cumulative experiences rather than occurring suddenly.
Sunita Ambhore described IIT Bombay as faculty-centric rather than student-centric, with teachers wielding significant power on campus. When Aniket repeatedly tried to put his mind at rest and his parents met with teachers, they were told not to worry. At one point, Aniket even expressed his desire to give up his seat and attempt admission again as a general category student. The pattern of caste-based harassment raises critical questions about institutional culture and support systems at the premier institute.
