IIT-B student death case: Crime Branch records statements of 20 people

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The Mumbai police’s Crime Branch has recorded the statements of 20 people in connection with the alleged death by suicide of IIT Bombay student Sahil Ravindra Wakode. The institute had initially claimed that he was caught cheating during an exam.

Among those questioned so far are students, staff members, those present in the examination hall, teachers supervising the examination, and hostel staff, officials said.

National Commission for Scheduled Castes Chairman Kishor Makwana conducted an inquiry on the campus after allegations from the student’s family regarding caste-based discrimination.

Minister of State of Social Justice and Empowerment Ramdas Athawale too visited the campus on Friday. He demanded an independent investigation into the death of Wakode. Mr. Athawale, a prominent Dalit leader, met IIT Bombay director and senior officials.

Mr. Athawale said he will write to Union Education Minister Pralhad Joshi to seek a meeting. He added that he demanded action against former Dean Suryanarayana Doolla.

According to Mr. Athawale, Mr. Doolla confiscated the student’s mobile phone during the examination on September 18. The former Dean raised an objection against the student, alleging copying. Mr. Athawale demanded that Mr. Doolla be suspended.

The Minister also pointed out that four students had died by suicide at the institute in the last two to three years, and three of them were from the Scheduled Caste community.

Wakode, a second-year BTech student belonging to the Scheduled Caste, allegedly ended his life on on campus September 18.

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