IIT Bombay Protests End, But Student-Faculty Divide Deepens Over Caste And Accountability
Mumbai: Demonstrations at IIT Bombay following the death of student Sahil Wakode have ended after three days, with classes resuming on the Powai campus. However, sharp disagreements have emerged among students and faculty over how to interpret the incident and next steps.
A section of students insists the circumstances warrant examination through a caste discrimination lens, demanding institutional accountability, stronger protections for marginalised students, and full implementation of an 18-point charter. They have called for Professor Suryanarayana Doolla's suspension pending inquiry and public disclosure of Disciplinary Action Committee hearings.
Other students have questioned the caste-based framing before investigation concludes, fearing unverified allegations could deepen campus divisions. The institute's response has satisfied some, though uncertainty remains over mid-semester exams and the fate of remaining charter demands.
