IIT Bombay has set up a 10-member high-level committee to investigate the circumstances surrounding the death of BTech student last week, an official said on Wednesday, reported the PTI.
Meanwhile, the faculty member who has been named in the FIR alleging abetment to suicide and caste discrimination, has been sent on leave to facilitate an impartial probe, sources said, the news agency reported.
The institute's Board of Governors constituted the committee on Wednesday to examine the circumstances surrounding the student's death. The panel is also expected to question the faculty member as part of its inquiry.
The move comes alongside the ongoing Mumbai Crime Branch investigation into the case.
Faculty member sent on leave
The faculty member has been sent on leave to ensure that the internal inquiry can be conducted independently, sources said. He had earlier been removed from his position as Dean of Administrative Affairs following protests over the student's death, according to the PTI.
The move does not by itself establish any wrongdoing against faculty member. The allegations against him remain under investigation.
The Mumbai Crime Branch is investigating student's death and has said the probe is being conducted diligently and impartially, while examining all possible angles.
Police have appealed to the public and media to avoid speculation, misinformation and premature conclusions, and have asked the media to rely on information released through official channels.
Parents allege caste-based discrimination
The deceased student's parents have alleged that their son had told them about caste-based slurs and discrimination. They have demanded the arrest of those named in the case, including faculty member.
The allegations have not been established and are being examined as part of the ongoing investigation.
Student's death
A second-year BTech student, was found dead in his hostel room on the IIT Bombay campus on the evening of September 18.
His death occurred hours after he was allegedly found using a mobile phone during a mid-semester examination.
The circumstances surrounding the examination incident and events that followed are being examined by the Crime Branch.
Raj Thackeray comments on caste allegations
MNS president Raj Thackeray said the education system needed to address the pressures faced by students. Referring to the allegations of caste discrimination, he said caste had become a subject of “power politics” and urged students not to get drawn into political divisions, as per the PTI.
His comments came amid protests and demands for an investigation into the circumstances surrounding student's death.
ABVP seeks action after probe
The Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP) called for a thorough investigation and said action should be taken against anyone found responsible after the inquiry.
ABVP national general secretary Virendra Singh Solanki said taking action before establishing the facts would not be appropriate. He said the organisation had demanded an investigation and that those found responsible should face action after the probe is completed, reported the PTI.
(with PTI inputs)
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