His father, Ravindra Wakode, alleged that “caste-based discrimination” and “torture” at the campus led his son to take his own life. The parents of Sahil Wakode, an IIT Bombay student who died by suicide hours after being caught using a mobile phone during an examination, have alleged that their son was subjected to severe harassment and caste discrimination, and demanded justice. He appealed to the government to take strict action against those responsible.
Police register abetment-of-suicide case
More than 400 students staged a protest on the campus following Wakode’s death and raised questions over the handling of the examination incident.
I urge the government to ensure justice for my child by terminating those responsible for this incident,” Ravindra Wakode told IANS. Police said the father named several people in his statement and that their alleged roles are being investigated. “I appeal for a thorough investigation of those who pushed him towards suicide through torture and caste discrimination. Mumbai Police have registered a case of abetment of suicide based on a complaint filed by Ravindra Wakode. The police investigation is underway, while the allegations raised by Wakode’s family and students are being examined by the authorities.
Ravindra Wakode said the family had tried to reassure their son about his future. My only request to the government is that prompt action be taken immediately against those responsible,” he said. “There was no conversation at all (with the student). We only tried to make our child understand, telling him to push through this time, that his career would turn out fine. But now, we are the ones suffering the loss. Whoever is responsible for his death must be punished severely.
