Campus
IIT Bombay protests erupt after student’s death; authorities meet students over 18 demands
Mumbai/IBNS: The IIT Bombay administration on Sunday night met students protesting the death of a second-year student in his hostel room last week, media reports said.
The student, identified as Sahil Wakode, was enrolled in the Department of Energy Science and Engineering.
Student had used ChatGPT during exam
According to IIT Bombay, Wakode had uploaded an examination question paper to ChatGPT through his mobile phone to seek answers during the exam.
Following the incident in the examination hall, Wakode was reportedly counselled by the instructor and the Head of the Department.
The institute said he was assured that the incident would not adversely affect his academic career and that no disciplinary action had been initiated against him.
He subsequently returned to his hostel room, where he was later found dead.
Students demand transparency
Wakode's death triggered protests on the Powai campus, with hundreds of students demanding greater transparency from the institute over the circumstances surrounding the incident.
The protesters alleged that Wakode had been threatened with a one-year suspension, which they claimed could have forced him to vacate the hostel.
The institute, however, has maintained that no disciplinary action had been initiated against him.
IIT Bombay meets protesters
The IIT Bombay administration met the protesters on Sunday night and assured them that it would look into their 18 demands, including a request to ensure student representation in academic committees.
A formal announcement is likely to be made on Monday, NDTV reported.
IIT Bombay Director Shirish Kedar also signed the sheet containing the 18 demands submitted by the protesters, raising hopes of a possible resolution.
Third reported student suicide in seven months
Wakode's death is the third reported student suicide at the IIT Bombay campus in Powai in the past seven months.
A second-year student reportedly died by suicide in February, while another second-year BTech student died by suicide in July.
The latest incident has renewed concerns among students over academic pressure and student welfare on the campus.
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