Mumbai | Ramesh Autade
A protest was organised by the All India Independent Scheduled Castes Association (AIISCA) demanding a thorough investigation into the death of Sahil Wakode, a student at IIT Powai. Raising slogans of “We Want Justice,” the protesters alleged that police personnel assaulted them during the demonstration.
At a press conference held at the Mumbai Press Club, the organisation demanded an impartial inquiry into both Sahil’s death and the alleged police assault on protesters.
The association called for a comprehensive investigation to establish whether Sahil’s death was a suicide or resulted from other circumstances. It also demanded appropriate action against IIT professor Dula, who has been accused in connection with the student’s death. The allegations against the professor, however, require independent verification. Sahil’s father was present at the press conference.
According to the protesters, police personnel assaulted demonstrators while the protest was underway on the IIT campus. Congress MP Varsha Gaikwad had also participated in the demonstration. The protesters alleged that the assault took place after she had left the site. They further claimed that women protesters were also assaulted and called for an investigation into the incident.
The circumstances surrounding the protest, the nature of the police action and the veracity of the allegations remain to be established through an impartial inquiry.
The protesters demanded that the authorities investigate the allegations fairly, establish the facts and take appropriate action against anyone found responsible in accordance with the law.
