IIT Bombay Professor Says SC/ST Cell Received No Complaint From Sahil Wakode
IIT Bombay faculty forum president Rajkumar Pant said the institute's SC/ST cell had no record of Sahil Wakode approaching it with a complaint in the months before his death. His comments came amid student protests seeking institutional reforms.
IIT Bombay faculty forum president and professor Rajkumar Pant has said the institute's SC/ST cell had no record of second-year BTech student Sahil Wakode approaching the cell with a complaint in the three to four months before his death.
Pant said he spoke with IIT Bombay Deputy Director Professor Ravindra Gudi, who confirmed that the SC/ST cell had issued a notice stating there had been no attempt by Sahil to approach the cell during that period.
Professor says no complaint was recorded
According to Pant, the SC/ST cell had not received a formal complaint from Sahil and there was also no record of him approaching the body for assistance.
Pant said the information came from his discussion with Deputy Director Ravindra Gudi, who confirmed the position of the institute's SC/ST cell.
The statement comes amid continuing questions surrounding the circumstances leading up to Sahil's death and concerns raised by students about institutional processes at IIT Bombay.
Faculty member defends Professor Doolla
Pant also addressed allegations involving Professor Suryanarayana Doolla, saying faculty members are required to perform their duties according to institute rules and procedures.
He said Doolla had acted in accordance with those procedures.
Doolla had previously served as dean of student affairs and later took charge as dean of academic affairs. Pant described him as a professor known for helping students and said there could be situations in which faculty members were required to take firm action under institutional rules.
Pant said he was personally convinced that Doolla would not engage in the conduct alleged against him.
Student protests continue at IIT Bombay
Pant's comments come as IIT Bombay students have held protests following Sahil's death.
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