IIT Bombay Alumni Demand Action After Fourth Student Death in a Year, Cite 'Militarised Campus'

Alumni of the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Bombay have written a letter to the institute's director, expressing deep concern over the death of Sahil Wakode and three other students within the past year. The letter, sent on [date], highlights an increasingly 'militarised campus' during examination periods and calls for immediate reforms to address student mental health and well-being.

The alumni's letter points to a pattern of student deaths—four in a single academic year—as evidence of a systemic crisis. They specifically criticize the institute's handling of exam security, which they describe as creating a hostile and stressful environment. The letter urges the director to implement mental health support programs, review campus security protocols, and foster a more supportive academic culture. IIT Bombay has not yet issued a public response to the alumni's demands.

The letter has sparked wider discussions about the intense pressure faced by students at India's premier engineering institutions. It adds to growing calls for educational reforms to prioritize student well-being over academic performance. The institute's administration is expected to address these concerns in the coming days, as alumni and student groups await concrete action to prevent further tragedies.