IIT-Bombay Plans Wall-Mounted Fans After Student’s Death, First Consignment Reaches Campus

IIT-Bombay is reportedly planning to replace ceiling fans with wall-mounted fans in parts of its Powai campus following the death of 22-year-old student Sahil Wakode. The development comes amid protests and demands for institutional reforms, but the institute has not officially confirmed the reported replacement plan.

First Consignment Of Fans Reportedly Reaches Campus

Wakode, a second-year student of the Department of Energy Science and Engineering from Maharashtra’s Yavatmal district, was found hanging from a ceiling fan in his hostel room on Friday evening.

According to reports, the incident took place hours after Wakode was allegedly caught using a mobile phone to access ChatGPT during a mid-semester examination.

Sources said the first consignment of wall-mounted fans has reached the campus and installation work is expected to begin shortly. The replacement is reportedly being described as part of an ongoing renovation exercise, although the development has drawn attention following Wakode’s death.

According to sources cited by NDTV, discussions about replacing ceiling fans had reportedly been underway for around two months and the proposal was recently approved. 

Students have also confirmed that the fans have arrived on campus. However, the IIT-Bombay administration has so far not issued an official statement confirming the reported replacement plan.

Questions Raised Over The Move

The reported plan has drawn criticism from NCP(SP) spokesperson Anish Gavande, who questioned whether changing the type of fans could address the wider concerns surrounding student deaths at educational institutions.

Gavande called for greater emphasis on prevention measures and mental health support for students.

Protests Follow Wakode’s Death

Wakode’s death led to protests on the IIT-Bombay campus, with students and political activists raising questions about institutional accountability and student welfare.

On Monday, IIT-Bombay removed Professor Suryanarayana Doolla from his position as Dean of Administrative Affairs following the protests. Doolla continues to remain a member of the institute’s faculty.

Wakode’s father, Ravindra Wakode, has alleged that his son faced mocking, harassment and caste-based discrimination. He has sought an investigation into the circumstances surrounding his son’s death and the alleged role of the institute administration.

Professor Booked By Mumbai Police

Following a complaint filed by Wakode’s family, Mumbai Police booked Professor Suryanarayana Doolla under provisions of the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act and Section 108 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, relating to abetment of suicide.

The investigation into Wakode’s death and the allegations raised by his family is underway.