Mumbai Police detained Sahil Wakode’s parents, Ravindra and Sonali Wakode, again on Sunday, along with students inside the Indian Institute of Technology Bombay (IIT-B) campus in Powai. The parents were taken to Azad Maidan, according to the latest update, as protests demanding justice for the 20-year-old BTech student continued.
Police had earlier detained protesters gathered outside IIT Bombay’s main gate around noon and taken at least 16 students from inside the campus in a police bus, students said. The protests were organised by groups including the All India Students’ Association (AISA), All India Students’ Federation (AISF) and All India Independent Scheduled Castes Association (AIISCA), among others.
The protesters were demanding action in the case of Sahil, who was found dead in his hostel room on September 18. Students claimed that those detained were being taken to a police station farther from Powai. The destination of the detained students and the circumstances surrounding their detention were not immediately clear.
Parents visit IIT Bombay a month after son’s death
Ravindra and Sonali Wakode visited the IIT Bombay campus on Sunday for the first time since their son’s death, accompanied by a delegation. The couple has been on a hunger strike at Azad Maidan for over 15 days, demanding accountability and action in the case.
Ravindra Wakode has filed an FIR invoking provisions of the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act and abetment to suicide, naming IIT Bombay director and Professor Suryanarayana Doolla in his statement. The family and protesters have demanded the immediate arrest of the two. The allegations have not been established.
MP Varsha Gaikwad, MLA Aslam Shaikh visit campus
Congress MP Varsha Gaikwad and MLA Aslam Shaikh were also present on the IIT Bombay campus on Sunday. Earlier, the parents and a delegation had entered the campus, with students saying the parents were seated at the Justice Corner near the main gate. The institute’s director was also seen on campus, according to students.
The parents have sought a fair investigation into the circumstances surrounding Sahil’s death and a meeting with the head of IIT Bombay’s Board of Governors. They have also claimed that the institute’s investigative committee has not contacted them.
Further details about the detentions and the status of the students taken away by police are awaited.
