Congress MP Varsha Gaikwad and NSUI activists were detained by police during a protest at IIT Bombay over the death of 22-year-old student Sahil Wakode. The family has alleged caste-based harassment, a claim the institute has officially denied. The case, which involves broader concerns regarding campus environment and institutional support, is currently under investigation by the Crime Branch.
Police detained Congress Member of Parliament Varsha Gaikwad and several activists from the National Students' Union of India (NSUI) on Thursday outside the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Bombay. The protest was organized in response to the death of Sahil Wakode, a 22-year-old BTech student who was found in his hostel room on September 18. Law enforcement officers took the group into custody near the Powai campus to maintain order before the demonstration could expand.
The death of the student has sparked significant public and political debate. Reports state the discovery occurred shortly after an alleged incident involving the use of a mobile device during an examination. In the aftermath, the student's family has alleged that he faced caste-based discrimination and harassment at the institute. IIT Bombay has formally denied these accusations, stating they are unfounded.
During the protest, Varsha Gaikwad termed the incident an institutional failure and called for a comprehensive inquiry into the campus environment. She also addressed wider concerns regarding the influence and management of higher education institutions in the country. The investigation into the circumstances of the student's death is currently being handled by the Crime Branch.
Political leaders have also engaged with the situation, with the Congress party leadership expressing support for the student's family. Leader of the Opposition Rahul Gandhi reportedly communicated with the family to offer support as they travel to Mumbai. To prevent further escalation, police authorities, including senior officers, maintained a strong presence outside the institute throughout the day.
This incident highlights ongoing discussions regarding student welfare, grievance redressal mechanisms, and mental health support at India’s premier educational institutions. The most important update for the public to monitor will be the outcome of the ongoing Crime Branch investigation into the matter.