Following the tragic death of second year BTech student Sahil Wakode at IIT Bombay and the formal suspension of Dean Suryanarayana Doola, IIT Bombay's student representatives have issued a statement.
The statement issued by the representatives highlights that they do not stand for or condone cheating or any form of academic misconduct; however, the tragic death of Sahil is what compelled the students to reflect on the system and process within the institute.
The protest initiated by the students is not to justify the academic misconduct but a collective effort to raise concerns about the systemic issues existing for some time and seek meaningful and strong institutional reforms so that no student in the future has to face circumstances of this nature, the statement added.
The student representatives have mentioned that over the course of the past few days, students came together to formulate a comprehensive set of demands addressing these concerns. These demands were formally placed before the Director, who has acknowledged and signed them, and has agreed to work towards implementing them within the timelines specified
Also Read: IIT Bombay Dean Suryanarayana Doola Suspended Amid Student Death Probe
Open House with the Director and Faculty
Student representatives, in their statement, have mentioned that an open house was conducted with the IIT Bombay Director and other members of the institutes provisioning students with an opportunity to raise their concerns and questions directly. The director has addressed the concerns in detail nd responded openly to questions raised by students. Students have appreciated the manner in which the director engaged with the student community throughout the process, as well as the proactive approach towards identifying and systematically addressing the institutional issues that have come to light.
Also Read: IIT Bombay Student Suicide: Who is Professor Suryanarayana Doola named in 18 Student Demands
With regard to Professor Suryanarayana Doola, the students have clarified that their position has never been one of presuming guilt and prejudging the ongoing investigation. The students have mentioned that they stand with Professor Doola as a member of the faculty community and believe that the investigation must be allowed to proceed fairly and impartially. Students demand that he be relieved of his administrative duties as Dan of Administrative Affairs during the pending investigation as a precautionary measure to ensure that the investigation remains completely independent and cannot be influenced in any manner. Students have also added that the findings and appropriate action should follow from the established investigation process.
The students have further added that they seek accountability, transparency and meaningful institutional reform and continue to raise theur concerns, represent the voices of students and work constructively with the institute towards building a safer, more accountable and supportive campus.
Also Read: IIT Bombay Apologises Over Statement on Student Death, Denies Director's Resignation
