Mumbai: Ravindra Wakode, father of IIT-Bombay student Sahil (20), who died by suicide on Sept 18, has sought immediate police protection for himself and his wife, Sonali, citing concerns over their safety during the ongoing investigation. Wakode was on hunger strike for the fourth day. Meanwhile, some of the students who are still staging a peaceful protest at the IIT-Bombay main gate, 13 days after the incident, have alleged that they were being forcibly moved out of the site on Wednesday morning.The students claimed that the authorities have accused them of blocking the main gate, which they said they were not. They also sent out a list of demands to the institute’s administration. In response, they alleged, the administration ‘sent a security officer to intimidate students and threatened to move the barricades’. Apart from immediate suspension of Prof Suryanarayana Doolla from all responsibility, pending investigation, they have also sought to ensure that Sahil’s parents feel safe to visit the campus and meet with students. They have also sought reconstitution of the internal investigation committee as many of its members have publicly expressed support for the professor.In a letter to the Mumbai police commissioner, Wakode has expressed apprehension that individuals named in the case could potentially exert pressure or influence the investigation.Seeking preventive measures, under section 15 A of the Atrocities Act, the family has requested police protection at their residence and during necessary travel connected with the investigation and legal proceedings. Wakode has urged the authorities to act urgently so that he and his family can participate in the proceedings without fear, intimidation or pressure. Maharashtra Minister of State Yogesh Kadam, during a media interaction, said that their threat perception will be assessed as per due process…and appropriate action will be taken based on the assessment.
