IIT Bombay suicide case: Sahil was acting normal at last meeting, says friend

The suicide of IIT Bombay student Sahil Wakode has caused an uproar in academic circles, with allegations that he took his own life due to caste discrimination and institutional pressure. Against this backdrop, a close friend of Sahil has shared his account of their last meeting and of Sahil's nature.

According to this friend, Sahil was one of his early friends at IIT Bombay. In their first year, the two lived in neighbouring rooms and played badminton together. Apart from studies, Sahil was very active in other campus activities and enjoyed spending time with friends. In the friend's words, Sahil was warm and sociable. He often visited friends and spent time at campus cafes and eateries. The two stayed in touch even after their first year.

The two friends had met a few days before Sahil's death. According to the friend, that meeting was entirely normal. Sahil had brought some food along, and the two spent some time together. The friend said nothing about his behaviour at the time suggested he was going through any major distress.

Sahil's family has alleged that he faced casteist remarks and mental pressure. Based on the family's complaint, a case has been registered against Professor Suryanarayan Dulla and others. Police are investigating these allegations.

The friend, however, denied that Sahil had ever spoken to him about facing caste discrimination or harassment. He said he was not aware of Sahil's caste and had not witnessed any caste discrimination on campus. He added that this was his own personal account and experience, and it could not be used to determine whether the family's allegations were true or false. Police are currently investigating the allegations.

Speaking about Professor Satyanarayan Dulla, the friend said he was known for being strict with students, but that Sahil never mentioned any caste-related remark or harassment involving him. What role Professor Dulla played in an incident during an exam before Sahil's death is also part of the investigation.

According to information received, during the exam Dulla questioned Sahil after a mobile phone was found on him and had him removed from the exam hall. Within a few hours of this, news of Sahil's suicide emerged. Police are investigating the entire incident.

The friend said he did not know exactly what happened to Sahil after he was removed from the exam hall. He said the two were in different departments, so he did not have much information about the events of that day.