Amid continuing protests at the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT), Bombay, following the suicide of a student named Sahil Wakode, the agitating students have raised concerns over campus security, political interference and disruption to academic activities, as they persevere in efforts to demand justice in connection with Wakode’s death.

A group of undergraduate students, identifying themselves as IITB for Bharat, issued a statement on ‘X,’ voicing concerns over the evolving situation and its potential impact on students, faculty members, staffers and other residents of the campus.

The group also flagged the involvement of political organisations and leaders in the ongoing agitation, warning that the protest could lose its edge on its original demand for justice if wider political interests began influencing the stir.

The students went on to allege that several outsiders had tried to barge into the campus by leaping over its boundary wall. They also expressed concern over the reported participation of political leaders and agitations organised by political groups outside the institute’s main gate.

Curbs imposed on campus raise academic concerns

The undergraduate students participating in the movement said recurring closures and restrictions at the main gate had been affecting routine life at the campus. They warned that the prevailing security situation could lead to the deferment or cancellation of academic programmes, institutional events and professional engagements.

It further shed light on the hurdles being faced by students trying to enter the institute through the main gate in the thick of the protests.

They emphasised that the students residing on the campus premises, the ones attending classes, as well as the students conducting laboratory experiments and pursuing research should be able to access the institute without unnecessary hurdles.

IIT-B’s former chairperson appeals for restraint

In the thick of the continuing developments, former chairperson of the IIT Bombay’s Board of Governors Sharad Saraf issued a statement on Sunday, pleading with all the stakeholders to exercise restraint and safeguard students’ academic interests.

He also acknowledged the widespread concerns over Wakode’s death by suicide, underlining that efforts must be made to prevent any further untoward incident on campus.

He went on to say that every student’s well-being, safety and academic future must remain the institute’s top priority. He further appealed to political parties to keep politics at bay from the institute and allow students to prepare for and take the exams in a peaceful and academically conducive environment.

“Don’t jeopardise futures of students”: Saraf

Saraf cautioned that incessant disruptions could take a toll on the academic performance of the students, as well as their well-being, adding that all stakeholders must be prepared to accept responsibility for the consequences of their actions.

Warning against waiting for another tragedy before recognising the damage caused by the prolonged disruption, he urged the ones involved to consider the future of the 12,000 students enrolled at the institute.