Mumbai Police Detain Protesters Demanding Justice for IIT-Bombay Student’s Death

The recent suicide of Sahil Wakode, a student from the Indian Institute of Technology-Bombay (IIT-B), has sparked significant outrage and protests in Mumbai. On Sunday, a candlelight vigil held at Chaityabhoomi in Dadar turned tumultuous when the Mumbai Police detained approximately 20 individuals advocating for a thorough investigation into Wakode’s tragic demise.

Sahil Wakode was discovered hanging in his hostel room on September 18, an incident that has raised serious concerns among his family and peers. They allege that he was subjected to caste-based discrimination while attending the prestigious institute. This assertion has fueled widespread public outcry, prompting protests that demand accountability and justice.

During the vigil, demonstrators expressed their grief and anger, calling for an official probe into the circumstances surrounding Wakode’s death. Eyewitness reports indicate that the police intervened aggressively, with accusations of manhandling particularly directed towards female protesters. Activists claimed that officers used undue force during the detentions, which they decried as an infringement on their right to assemble peacefully.

The police have defended their actions, describing the gathering as unauthorized and justifying the detentions. However, they have not addressed the allegations regarding the treatment of those arrested. Among the detained was well-known stand-up comedian Masoom Rajwani, who shared a video on social media platform Instagram, documenting his removal from the scene by law enforcement.

Following the detentions, those arrested were released from various police stations, including Tardeo, Worli, and Dadar, later that evening. The tragic death of Sahil Wakode has not only highlighted the pressing issue of mental health among students but has also reignited discussions about caste discrimination in academic institutions across India. As the community mourns, there is a growing call for systemic changes to ensure that such incidents are not repeated in the future.

Source: scroll.in