Sahil Wakode's parents seek police protection, cite threat to life
Parents of former IIT Bombay student Sahil Wakode have sought police protection, alleging threats to their lives and possible interference in the investigation.
The parents of former IIT Bombay student Sahil Wakode have approached Mumbai police seeking protection, saying they fear for their lives and believe the persons they have accused in connection with their son's death could sway the investigation. Their lawyer, Advocate Nikhil Kamble, said the family had written to the Mumbai Commissioner of Police, the Joint Commissioner of Police (Crime) and the Joint Commissioner of Police (Law and Order).
The parents have named IIT Bombay Director Prof. Shireesh Kedare and Prof. Suryanarayana Doolla in connection with Wakode's death. According to Mr. Kamble, the family considers the two influential and worries that they may interfere with the probe or endanger the family. The allegations have not been independently established.
Mr. Kamble also flagged the alleged leak of CCTV footage linked to the case, arguing that the failure to arrest those named by the family had deepened concerns about how evidence is being preserved and kept confidential.
The family's protest is set to continue. Wakode's parents will hold their hunger strike at Azad Maidan on Wednesday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., in line with permission granted by the Azad Maidan police station, Mr. Kamble said. They had staged a similar strike at the same venue on Tuesday, demanding Prof. Doolla's arrest.
Mr. Kamble added that no representative of the Maharashtra government has reached out to the family so far, despite the protest and repeated calls for action. The family has also said that the IIT Bombay inquiry committee set up to examine the circumstances of Wakode's death has not contacted them even once.