‘Protest Was Not To Justify Cheating’: IIT-Bombay Students Clarify Stand After Sahil’s Death

Student representatives at IIT Bombay have issued a statement following the death of student Sahil Wakode, clarifying that they do not condone cheating or any form of academic misconduct. They said the student protest was aimed at raising long-standing concerns within the institute and seeking meaningful institutional reforms. The representatives welcomed Sunday’s open house with the Director and administration. On Professor Suryanarayana Doolla, they said they do not presume his guilt and want the investigation to proceed fairly and impartially. They clarified that their demand is for Doolla to be relieved of his administrative duties as Dean while the probe continues. They also stressed that the reform process should remain student-led.