Rahul Gandhi dials Sahil Wakode's family, assures support in fight for justice
During the conversation, Gandhi expressed his support for Wakode's family and assured them that he would extend all possible help in their pursuit of justice.
Congress leader and Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi, spoke to the family of IIT Bombay student Sahil Wakode by phone and assured them of his support in their pursuit of justice. The call came nearly a week after 22-year-old Wakode was found hanging in his hostel room.
A controversy erupted following his death after his parents alleged that Wakode had faced caste-based harassment and was in mental distress in the days before his death. IIT Bombay, however, initially denied the allegations and had earlier said that Wakode was caught using a mobile phone during a mid-semester examination. The institute has since apologised for its earlier communication, saying it was inappropriate to characterise events preceding his death before they had been established through an investigation.
During the conversation, Gandhi expressed his support for Wakode's family and assured them that he would extend all possible help in their pursuit of justice.
Meanwhile, the circumstances surrounding Wakode's death are being investigated by the Mumbai Crime Branch.
CRIME BRANCH RECORDS STATEMENTS OF 6 PEOPLE
The Mumbai Crime Branch has so far recorded the statements of six people in connection with the investigation into Wakode's death.
Among those whose statements have been recorded are three students who were close to Wakode's. Investigators are examining the circumstances surrounding his death and recording statements as part of the ongoing probe.
However, the Crime Branch has not yet recorded the statement of Professor Suryanarayana Doolla, who has been accused by Wakode's parents of making casteist remarks against their son.
Officials said investigators want to first gather digital evidence and record the statements of other witnesses before questioning Doolla.
The investigation is continuing as the Crime Branch examines the circumstances surrounding Wakode's death.
IIT BOMBAY APOLOGISES, RETRACTS EARLIER CLAIMS
Meanwhile, IIT Bombay has re-shared its September 21 statement and apologised for its earlier comments about the circumstances surrounding Wakode's death.
The institute said the details and circumstances surrounding the case remain under investigation. It also acknowledged that it was inappropriate to characterise events preceding Wakode's death before they had been established through the proper investigative process.
The development came amid questions over the institute's earlier account of the circumstances surrounding Wakode's death.
YOUTH CONGRESS TO ANNOUNCE NEXT COURSE OF ACTION
The issue is also set to see further political activity, with the Youth Congress scheduled to hold a press conference on Thursday afternoon.
The organisation is expected to announce its further strategy and the next course of its agitation over the case.