IIT Bombay replaces hostel ceiling fans with wall-mounted fans after student’s death
Mumbai: The Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Bombay has begun replacing ceiling fans with wall-mounted fans across its hostels following the recent death by suicide of a second-year BTech student, sources familiar with the development said.
Sahil Wakode, a student of the Department of Energy Science and Engineering from Yavatmal district in Maharashtra, was found hanging in his hostel room at the institute's Powai campus on Friday evening.
His death came hours after he was allegedly caught using a mobile phone to access ChatGPT during a mid-semester examination.
Following recent incidents of student suicides, the institute is now moving to remove ceiling fans from hostels, the sources said. Wall-mounted fans are expected to be installed across the campus's hostels and other utility areas.
Images showing a batch of wall-mounted fans being brought to the campus as part of what was described as renovation work have also circulated on social media.
The move has drawn criticism from NCP (SP) spokesperson Anish Gavande, who said replacing ceiling fans would not address the wider issue of student suicides.
"Does IIT Bombay really think that replacing ceiling fans with wall fans will solve the suicide problem affecting IITs across the country?" Gavande said.
He called for greater emphasis on suicide prevention measures and mental health support for students.
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The institute had reportedly discussed replacing ceiling fans after another student died by suicide in July. The issue gained renewed attention following Wakode's death last week.
Gavande also claimed that more than 117 students had died by suicide at IITs over the past 20 years.
(Disclaimer: If you or someone you know is experiencing emotional distress, mental health challenges, or thoughts of self-harm, seek professional support without delay. You can contact Tele-MANAS, a 24x7 mental health helpline by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, at 14416 or 1800-891-4416.)