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New Delhi: On October 18, marking the one month anniversary of Sahil Wakode’s death by suicide, a fresh wave of harassment began for students protesting at IIT Bombay. While the clampdown had existed in subtler forms, it has now mutated into an exhibition of brute force. Students were violently detained from campus grounds by the Mumbai Police, beaten in buses, the protest site was destroyed, and their private property – which includes laptops, room keys and critical medication – remains in custody of the administration. 

The students are continuing the protest, which has now taken the shape of a sit-in at what is referred to as IIT Bombay’s “main building.” 

The fight for justice for Wakode exists as distinct protests – one unfolding at Azad Maidan, where his parents were on hunger strike, and another on campus, where a handful of students are continuing the same battle for accountability. 

Protest posters from IIT-B students. Photo: Instagram/@justice4sahil

Last Saturday marked a first in the institute’s history – detention buses had been parked on campus grounds and students were picked up from within. Taking place outside the gate was a parallel protest by left groups, who were also detained. Students highlighted the difference in protests, and the egregious nature of their on-campus detention. The days since October 18 have been structured by opacity and repression. The director has not met the group of about 20-30 protesting students, and their belongings appear to be suspended in limbo. 

What is taking place at IIT Bombay is akin to a pattern that can be observed throughout the country – young, peaceful protesters are interpreted and treated as criminals. 

Two rounds of detention

There were two rounds of detention that took place last Saturday. It had been decided that the students would assemble at 11 AM for Sahil’s........

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