A prestigious academic institution became the scene of a serious security incident on Sunday night, as a female student at the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Bombay was allegedly surrounded and intimidated by a large Islamist mob after she objected to loud music playing past campus curfew.

The incident, which occurred near Hostel 10 around 11:00 PM on 9 November 2025, has ignited fierce debate about campus safety and administrative accountability. According to multiple student accounts, the trouble began when the student approached a wedding celebration on campus to request that the music be turned down, citing an upcoming examination.

The situation escalated rapidly. Eyewitnesses report that instead of complying, a group of approximately 50-60 Islamist individuals from the wedding gathering surrounded the student and four to five of her classmates who had arrived to support her.

In a statement posted on X, the student group “IIT B for Bharat” called for an impartial inquiry. The group urged both the institute’s administration and the Mumbai Police to ensure the safety of students and to identify all those involved in the confrontation.

A serious incident occurred on the @iitbombay campus on the night of 9 November 2025; a mob of around 50 Muslims allegedly surrounded an @iitbombay female student when she raised a concern about loud music being played beyond the permitted hours (after 10 PM).

Male students…

— IIT B for Bharat (@IITBforBharat) November 10, 2025

Students present described a scene of intense intimidation. The mob allegedly responded with aggressive shouting, abusive language, and death threats, with witnesses reporting hearing statements like, “Tu bahar nikal, tere ko jaan se maar denge” (“Step outside, we will kill you”). Female students were also reportedly targeted with sexist remarks about their clothing.

The confrontation only de-escalated with the arrival of the Associate Dean of Student Affairs and officers from the Mumbai Police. However, in a detail that has deeply concerned the campus community, the targeted students were reportedly too fearful of retaliation to file a formal written complaint with the authorities at the scene.

The student group ‘IIT B for Bharat’ has since broken the administration’s public silence on the matter, issuing a statement on social media platform X that condemned the violence and the subsequent administrative inaction.

“We urge the IIT Bombay administration and Mumbai Police to conduct a fair, transparent, and impartial investigation to ensure accountability for all responsible parties,” the statement read. “Safety and justice cannot be selective. Intimidation and mob violence have no place in an academic institution.”

At the time of this report, there has been no official public statement from the IIT Bombay administration regarding the incident or the allegations, leaving the campus community awaiting answers and action.

According to the sources @iitbombay permits current and retired permanent staff members to book the Gulmohar Lawns for family functions such as weddings. The venue is located adjacent to Hostel 10 (a girls’ hostel). Anwar and Dilawar Sheikh, who are brothers and former IITB… https://t.co/BLOQn8J8Kl pic.twitter.com/Zv0rEhELbL

— IIT B for Bharat (@IITBforBharat) November 12, 2025

(Source: Organiser)

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The post IIT Bombay Campus Erupts In Tension As Students Allege Islamist Mob Intimidation Over Noise Complaint appeared first on The Commune.

The Indian Institute of Technology Bombay (IIT-B), one of the nation’s premier educational institutions, has found itself repeatedly embroiled in controversy over the past six years. A pattern of incidents involving certain faculty members, student groups, and hosted events has sparked intense public and political backlash, with accusations of promoting anti-Hindu and anti-India sentiments.

This report details 14 such instances, from 2019 to 2025, that have raised serious questions about the academic and political environment within the institute, often leading to official inquiries, cancellations, and widespread condemnation.

#1 The “Pyramid Of Capitalist India” Poster (2025)

In September 2025, a workshop co-hosted by IIT-B featured a poster depicting PM Modi, Amit Shah, and Yogi Adityanath under the caption “WE FOOL YOU.” It also portrayed the army and police as “WE SHOOT AT YOU.” The institute swiftly distanced itself, claiming no prior knowledge of the provocative imagery, and condemned the content. It removed its name from all event materials, halted its association, and launched an investigation into how the event was approved, amid widespread national outrage. However, the fact remains that the event was co-organized by New Political Economic Initiative of IIT-Bombay which has ties to Ford Foundation.

#2 The Ford-Funded NPEI Initiative (2025)

The New Political Economic Initiative (NPEI) at IIT-B, led by UK citizen Prof. Anush Kapadia, faced scrutiny for its research. Backed by a $4 million Ford Foundation grant, the initiative was accused of pushing political propaganda, such as an unsourced claim about Maharashtra’s beef industry employing lakhs. Critics questioned the academic rigor of its outputs and the appropriateness of such externally funded programs operating within a government-funded technical institute. The involvement of foreign funding in sponsoring politically sensitive academic projects has raised concerns about external influence on India’s publicly funded institutions. NPEI has consistently promoted the idea that Indian democracy is in decline, framing its work in ways that align with Western think-tank narratives critical of the Modi government.

#3 Praise For MIT Pro-Palestine Speech (2025)

In June 2025, Professor Anupam Guha from the public policy department praised a controversial MIT graduation speech that was strongly pro-Palestine, calling the student’s actions “admirable” and courageous.

Professor of Humanities (Policy Studies) at IIT Bombay. Our IITs have become trash due to humanities departments.

I repeat once again: defund humanities from IITs. Save IITs. pic.twitter.com/RpfthiHkwT

— Harshil (હર્ષિલ) (@MehHarshil) June 3, 2025

His public endorsement of the speech, which was critical of Israel, drew significant criticism from those who felt it legitimized a one-sided narrative against a key Indian ally.

#4 Fuelling Anti-CAA Protests (2025)

Professor Anupam Guha was again at the center of controversy in January 2025 for his active role in amplifying anti-CAA (Citizenship Amendment Act) protests.

Despite being a government employee, he used his platform to urge people to protest against the law and was accused of amplifying separatist voices, particularly concerning Kashmir, thereby challenging the state’s sovereignty.

#5 Inviting A Rape Accused And Terror Sympathizer For Diwali (2024)

IIT-B faced massive student protests and public fury in October 2024 for inviting filmmaker Mahmood Farooqui, who was previously convicted (later acquitted) in a rape case, as the chief guest for its Diwali celebrations. The outrage was compounded by his past signing of a mercy petition for 26/11 terrorist Ajmal Kasab. Bowing to pressure, the institute cancelled the event.

#6 Cancelled Talk By Achin Vanaik (2023)

In November 2023, IIT-B invited Professor Achin Vanaik, known for his pro-Palestine and anti-Hindu views, for a talk. After student protests over his past comments glorifying suicide bombing and criticizing Hindutva, the institute cancelled the event citing “unforeseen circumstances,” highlighting the tension between free speech and inflammatory rhetoric on campus.

#7 Lecture Glorifying Palestinian Militants (2023)

Professor Sharmishtha Saha invited Sudhanva Deshpande, who during a lecture in November 2023, glorified Palestinian militants Zakaria Zubeidi and Ghassan Kanafani, the former being a member of a group specializing in suicide bombings. The lecture, which called for armed rebellion, occurred on the same day the Vice President of India was on campus, creating a stark contrast.

#8 Equating Vegetarianism to Militancy (2023)

In an October 2023 op-ed, Professor Suryakant Waghmare equated upper-caste vegetarianism to “militancy,” accusing it of enforcing social hierarchy. He dismissed environmental reasons for the diet, linking it instead to “cow nationalism” and discrimination, sparking outrage for its sweeping generalization and derogatory characterization of a common cultural practice.

#9 Published Research Paper On OpIndia (2023)

A research paper from IIT-B’s Ashank Desai Centre, authored in part by an Alt News staffer, analyzed Opindia’s content. The May 2023 paper concluded the portal fostered “anti-Muslim narratives,” a finding critics dismissed as biased, given the author’s association with a far-left fact-checking website itself accused of political partiality and shielding Islamists.

#10 PhD Student’s Anti-Hindu Remarks (2023)

A February 2023 video showed PhD student Amarkant Thakur insulting Hindus and Lord Ram on campus, blaming “Brahminical society” for mistreating Dalits and claiming “Jai Shri Ram” chants perpetuated caste hierarchy.

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by APPSC IIT Bombay (@appsc.iitb)

The incident, which occurred in the presence of security, raised questions about campus discourse and respect for religious sentiments.

#11 Rally Supporting Sedition Accused (2020)

On Republic Day 2020, left-leaning student groups held a “Reclaim the Republic” rally supporting Sharjeel Imam, accused of sedition for speeches calling to “break India,” and demanding the release of UAPA-booked activists. The event showcased a strong political faction within the student body aligning with individuals accused of threatening national integrity.

#12 Calling Article 370 Abrogation “Illegitimate” (2019)

In August 2019, Professor Anupam Guha endorsed an article branding the historic, Parliament-passed abrogation of Article 370 as “constitutionally illegitimate.”

His public challenge to a central government policy and a subsequent Supreme Court validation sparked accusations of overstepping academic boundaries into political activism against national interests.

#13 Sterlite Protest “Martyrs” Tweet (2019)

During the violent Sterlite plant protests, Professor Guha posted that “capitalism cannot function without state terrorism” and referred to those who died as “martyrs.”

His comments were seen as justifying violent protest and blaming state forces, ignoring the complex circumstances of the clashes that led to the fatalities.

#14 Management School’s Handle Posts Anti-BJP Tweet, Later Claims It Was “Hacked” (2019)

In April 2019, the official Twitter account of IIT-B’s management school posted a tweet claiming Hinduism and Hindutva are different and that people in West Bengal were “not stupid enough to vote for BJP.”

The school later claimed the account was hacked, but the incident damaged its reputation and revealed the highly charged political undercurrents within the institute.

#15 IIT B Prof Mocked Hindu Practices And Promoting Anti-India Narratives

Humanities Professor Suryakant Waghmore’s disdain for Hindu traditions is well-documented. He once compared a PhD in humanities to “not drinking cow urine for cancer cure,” mocking Hindu beliefs.

He posted a photo from Europe with the caption, “Somewhere in Europe where… no one wears a sacred thread, no one takes dowry… where 94% of the population does not have arranged marriages, where women are not disallowed in kitchens and temples during their periods. Shall I go on?”

His research paper “The Dominant Victim” argues that upper-caste Hindus claim “imagined victimhood” to overshadow Dalit struggles.

His social media posts and public interviews regularly attack vegetarianism and Hindu practices. In a widely circulated post, he wrote, “I am hoping to be pure vegetarian in next life. Hope to have an arranged marriage, take dowry, drink cow urine, vote for BJP and attack Muslims. This life is dedicated to Ambedkarism.”

#16 Allegations of Bias

In 2024, IIT Bombay’s PhD entrance exam included a question on Hindutva, which many saw as an attempt to screen out Hindu applicants.

IIT Bombay, in their Phd entrance exam asked a provocative question on Hindutva.

it's ok to study Hindutva but asking that question in a screening test is basically making sure only Hindu haters will be selected.

Blatant discrimination on taxpayer money @iitbombay pic.twitter.com/K3PFIvJw1g

— Eminent Intellectual (@total_woke_) September 14, 2025

When students protested, Waghmore mocked them by posting a video of himself dancing, further fueling accusations of unprofessionalism.

@iitbombay who is this chutiya Suryakant Waghmore ?

Recently IIT Bombay held Phd entrance test in which they asked about Hindutva. This is clearly an attempt to deny entry to Hindus. When some students called out this blatant partisanship, this video was his reply. pic.twitter.com/hMK1eYjb6X

— Bhole (@Bholenath) May 21, 2024

#17 Double Standards Of ‘Secularism’

IIT Bombay faced criticism over its contradictory stance on food segregation after the administration was seen facilitating elaborate meal arrangements for Ramadan while previously “refusing” its approval for vegetarian-only tables, calling it “exclusionary and casteist.”

An internal email sent by the General Secretary (Health Advisory HA) on behalf of “Ramadan volunteers” informed students about Sehri (pre-dawn meal) arrangements for those observing the fast. Hostels were divided into zones for easy access, and meals would be delivered to female hostels based on headcount. Students interested in availing of the facility were asked to register.

Today #IITBombay students rec'd a mail about the amazing fasting preparation for #Ramadan. Entire Humanities department had a collective orgasm.

The same professors and some left students had had a fit when a mere six tables were reserved for those eating vegetarian food. Anyone… pic.twitter.com/IDcrUjSlLl

— Eminent Intellectual (@total_woke_) February 9, 2025

However, this move ignited accusations of selective religious favoritism. IIT-B buckled under pressure for a decision to allocate just a few tables for vegetarian students.

In 2023, posters marking “vegetarians only” seating areas appeared in a hostel mess, triggering outrage from the Ambedkar Periyar Phule Study Circle (APPSC). The posters were torn down, and RTI inquiries later confirmed that IIT-B has no official policy allowing separate eating spaces. The administration followed up with a warning email, declaring that no student had the right to designate areas for specific food preferences.

Even though the vegetarian-only tables were open to all castes and religions, the move was labeled “discriminatory” and “a Brahminical imposition.” Some activist students even went as far as to deliberately consume non-vegetarian food at those tables in protest.

Yet, the same faculty and student groups that opposed vegetarian tables have raised no objections to Ramadan-specific dining arrangements. This has led to allegations that IIT-B selectively enforces its so-called secular principles—opposing dietary preferences linked to Hindu and Jain traditions while bending over backward to accommodate Islamic practices.

This extends beyond seating arrangements. While vegetarian tables were deemed casteist, halal food remains unquestioned on campus. Critics argue that if separate tables for vegetarians were seen as divisive, then so should halal-only meat, which actively excludes non-Muslim butchers. However, IIT-B faculty and leftist student groups remain silent on this inconsistency.

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The post The Infiltration Of Radical Left At IIT Bombay: Examining Instances Of Anti-Hindu, Anti-India Sentiments From 2019-2025 appeared first on The Commune.

The New Political Economy Initiative (NPEI), a centre operating under the umbrella of IIT Bombay’s Centre for Liberal Education (CLE), has ignited a political firestorm and placed the premier institute under intense scrutiny. The controversy stems from NPEI’s role as a co-organizer of an academic workshop at the University of California, Berkeley, featuring a poster deemed highly inflammatory and partisan by critics.

The workshop, titled “South Asian Capitalism(s)” and scheduled for September 2025, is jointly presented by UC Berkeley and the University of Massachusetts-Amherst. However, it is NPEI’s involvement as the domestic academic partner from India that has drawn sharp criticism, with questions being raised about the initiative’s funding, leadership, and ideological mandate.

The Provocative Poster

The core of the controversy lies in the event’s promotional poster.

It prominently displays images of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Union Home Minister Amit Shah, and Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, with the caption: “WE FOOL YOU.” Notably, the only religious figure depicted is a Hindu monk in saffron robes raising questions about selective targeting.

The workshop is promoted as an exploration of “how capitalist accumulation is socially structured across South Asia,” but the poster includes slogans such as “WE RULE YOU, WE FOOL YOU, WE SHOOT AT YOU” and a pyramid graphic titled “Capitalist India.”

The 3 figures in the We Rule You category seem to be aimed at the punching bags of the leftists – Ambani, Adani.

They also blame the Army in the poster by portraying them under “We Shoot At You”.

This has led to accusations that the NPEI, under the aegis of IIT Bombay, is endorsing a foreign event that deliberately targets and disrespects Indian elected officials, business leaders, and national security institutions.

NPEI Headed by UK Citizen Anush Kapadia

NPEI is headed by Anush Darius Kapadia, a UK citizen who serves on IIT Bombay’s faculty payroll. Kapadia has been described as central to the institute’s political economy initiatives.

His academic output includes four first-authored and one co-authored papers, of which three were submitted to Economic and Political Weekly (EPW), a magazine rather than a peer-reviewed journal. Questions have been raised about whether this body of work is sufficient for a faculty role at a premier Indian institution.

This guy, Anush Kapadia has authored 4 first-authored papers and one co-authored papers. Out of these 5 papers, 3 are submitted to Economic and Political Weekly, which is a magazine and not journal. Is this sufficient work to get into an IIT???@dpradhanbjp @iitbombay @PMOIndia https://t.co/Rs1xZN3w2S pic.twitter.com/U1R2a3zfCY

— 𝐁𝐫𝐚𝐡𝐦 (Conch of Time ) (@brahmasmiti) September 10, 2025

Kapadia is also part of this event at Berkeley.

Funding And Ideological Concerns

According to disclosures, NPEI has received funding worth ₹35 crore from the Ford Foundation. The involvement of foreign funding in sponsoring politically sensitive academic projects has raised concerns about external influence on India’s publicly funded institutions.

Critics allege that NPEI has consistently promoted the idea that Indian democracy is in decline, framing its work in ways that align with Western think-tank narratives critical of the Modi government. The Berkeley event has further fueled suspicions that NPEI provides academic cover to ideological campaigns targeting India’s political and economic structures.

New Political Economy Initiative works under Central for Liberal Education, IIT Bombay. It was co-organiser of South Asia Capitalism event.

This NPEI is headed by IIT Bombay faculty member and UK citizen Anush Kapadia. He is on Indian government payroll.

This NPEI also got… https://t.co/4oPKN7Tcls pic.twitter.com/evG61oURlA

— Harshil (હર્ષિલ) (@MehHarshil) September 10, 2025

The current controversy is not NPEI’s first brush with allegations of partisan activism. The initiative previously co-hosted conferences on political economy with similar critical themes. Its stated mission to study “the relations between state, market, and society in contemporary India” is now being viewed by critics through a lens of ideology rather than academic neutrality.

Detractors argue that the NPEI is using the respected platform of IIT Bombay to provide academic legitimacy to what they term as “regime change operations” and narratives that persistently claim, “Indian democracy is in trouble.” The Berkeley workshop poster is seen as the most blatant example of this alignment with a specific political viewpoint.

Calls for Accountability

The involvement of a taxpayer-funded premier institution like IIT Bombay has triggered demands for accountability from the highest levels. Critics are urging the Union Education Ministry, led by Dharmendra Pradhan, to intervene and clarify:

1. Why is an IIT centre co-sponsoring an event with such explicitly provocative and disrespectful content?
2. What are the protocols for vetting international collaborations and their promotional materials?
3. What is the oversight mechanism for centres like NPEI that receive substantial foreign grants?
4. What is the rationale behind allowing a foreign citizen to lead a centre that analyzes India’s domestic political economy?

IIT Bombay Clarification About Event

Following public outrage, IIT Bombay has issued a clarification stating, “A post regarding a flyer of a workshop on South Asian Capitalism was brought to the attention of the Institute authorities. This workshop is to be held at University of Berkeley in partnership with UC Berkeley and University of Massachusetts-Amherst for young scholars. IIT Bombay has a project related to New Political Economic Initiative. However, we were totally unaware about the published flyer. Upon hearing about this post, we issued immediate instructions to the organisers to take down the flyer from all social media platforms and remove IIT Bombay’s name from everything to do with this event. The details of the programme have been removed from the website of New Political Economy Initiative with immediate effect. No one from IIT Bombay is attending the conference. The Institute was not at all consulted about the flyer. We are deeply shocked and upset by its content. The Institute will cease to associate with these faculty members from UC Berkeley and University of Massachusetts-Amherst going forward. Further investigation into the matter will be conducted.”

A post regarding a flyer of a workshop on South Asian Capitalism was brought to the attention of the Institute authorities. This workshop is to be held at University of Berkeley in partnership with UC Berkeley and University of Massachusetts-Amherst for young scholars.
IIT Bombay… pic.twitter.com/BhMZV8A4Ds

— IIT Bombay (@iitbombay) September 10, 2025

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The Indian Institute of Technology Bombay (IIT-B) has issued a clarification after facing criticism for being named as a co-sponsor of a controversial academic workshop on “South Asian Capitalism(s),” scheduled for September 12–13 at the University of California, Berkeley.

The workshop, jointly presented with UC Berkeley and the University of Massachusetts-Amherst, drew backlash over its promotional poster, which featured Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Union Home Minister Amit Shah, and Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath under the caption “WE FOOL YOU.” The poster also depicted business leaders Mukesh Ambani and Gautam Adani as part of a “We Rule You” category and portrayed the Indian Army under “We Shoot at You.”

IIT Bombay Issues Statement

Responding to the controversy, IIT Bombay said it was not consulted about the flyer and had no role in its design or content.

“A post regarding a flyer of a workshop on South Asian Capitalism was brought to the attention of the Institute authorities. This workshop is to be held at University of Berkeley in partnership with UC Berkeley and University of Massachusetts-Amherst for young scholars. IIT Bombay has a project related to the New Political Economy Initiative. However, we were totally unaware about the published flyer,” the institute said in an official statement.

The institute added that it had directed the organisers to immediately take down the flyer from social media and remove IIT Bombay’s name from all event-related material. The programme details have also been taken off the website of the New Political Economy Initiative (NPEI), which had earlier been listed as a co-organiser.

IIT Bombay clarified that no faculty or official from the institute would be attending the conference. “The Institute was not at all consulted about the flyer. We are deeply shocked and upset by its content,” the statement said.

The institute further announced that it would cease future associations with the faculty members from UC Berkeley and the University of Massachusetts-Amherst involved in the workshop.

IIT Bombay also confirmed that a further internal review will be conducted into the matter to determine how its name came to be linked with the event without institutional approval.

A post regarding a flyer of a workshop on South Asian Capitalism was brought to the attention of the Institute authorities. This workshop is to be held at University of Berkeley in partnership with UC Berkeley and University of Massachusetts-Amherst for young scholars.
IIT Bombay… pic.twitter.com/BhMZV8A4Ds

— IIT Bombay (@iitbombay) September 10, 2025

The clarification comes amid rising political pressure, with calls directed at Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan to explain how a taxpayer-funded institute became associated with what many have described as a politically charged foreign event.

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The Indian Institute of Technology Bombay (IIT-B) is facing sharp criticism after its name appeared as a co-sponsor of a controversial academic workshop titled “South Asian Capitalism(s)”, scheduled for September 12–13, 2025, at UC Berkeley.

The poster for the event, jointly presented by UC Berkeley’s Institute for South Asia Studies, the University of Massachusetts-Amherst, and IIT Bombay, has sparked outrage for its provocative design.

It prominently displays images of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Union Home Minister Amit Shah, and Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, with the caption: “WE FOOL YOU.” Notably, the only religious figure depicted is a Hindu monk in saffron robes raising questions about selective targeting.

The workshop is promoted as an exploration of “how capitalist accumulation is socially structured across South Asia,” but the poster includes slogans such as “WE RULE YOU, WE FOOL YOU, WE SHOOT AT YOU” and a pyramid graphic titled “Capitalist India.”

The 3 figures in the We Rule You category seem to be aimed at the punching bags of the leftists – Ambani, Adani.

They also blame the Army in the poster by portraying them under “We Shoot At You”.

Critics allege that the event agenda is designed to push a partisan ideological line, focusing heavily on caste and community dynamics. Observers have also pointed out that IIT Bombay previously co-hosted a conference on political economy with similar undertones, leading to concerns that the institution is increasingly providing academic cover to what some describe as “deep state” narratives against India’s political leadership and business communities.

Questions are now being directed at Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, with calls for the ministry to explain why a premier taxpayer-funded institute is endorsing what many view as a politically loaded foreign event.

IIT Bombay has not yet issued a public statement clarifying its role in the sponsorship.

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The tragic suicide case of IIT Bombay freshman Darshan Solanki is finally moving to trial after two years. The sole accused, Armaan Iqbal Khatri, initially charged with abetment of suicide, had sought relief from the Bombay High Court to quash the FIR filed against him. However, on 4 July 2025, the court allowed the withdrawal of his petition following strong opposition from both the Maharashtra government and the legal team representing Darshan’s family.

A division bench comprising Justices Ajay Gadkari and Rajesh Patil permitted the withdrawal, clearing the way for the trial to commence in the Sessions Court. The case had faced repeated delays primarily due to Khatri’s legal attempts to halt proceedings. Represented by Advocate Vijay Hiremath, Khatri argued that the charges were baseless, but this was countered firmly by Special Public Prosecutor Prakash Salsingikar and lawyers Sandesh More and Hitendra Gandhi, who represented Darshan’s relatives.

What Happened?

Darshan Solanki, a first-year chemical engineering student and a member of the Scheduled Caste community, jumped to his death from the seventh floor of his hostel building on February 12, 2023. His death sparked a firestorm of national outrage, particularly among caste-centric activist groups and sections of the international media, which quickly attributed the suicide to caste-based discrimination.

Organizations like the Ambedkar-Periyar-Phule Study Circle (APPSC), backed by prominent figures such as Bhalachandra Mungekar, led campus protests and alleged that Darshan was ostracized and mentally harassed after his caste identity became known. Groups accused the IIT Bombay administration and Mumbai Police of ignoring caste-based harassment and demanded action under the SC/ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act.

These protests garnered global attention and rapidly turned the incident into a high-profile symbol of institutional caste discrimination. Darshan’s parents were reportedly encouraged by activist groups to pursue the caste angle in public forums.

Asking rank has been a tactic used by savarnas to mark SC/ST students and harass them. Despite the testimony by his senior, the committee hid it from the report and lied that he denied instances of discrimination. #justicefordarshansolanki https://t.co/wGaRo908xx

— APPSC IIT Bombay (@AppscIITb) March 12, 2023

Caste-based institutional murder!

Darshan Solanki, SC student at IIT Bombay fell victim to casteism and died by jumping from the college hostel.

The culprits shouldn't be spared at any cost. We demand a fair inquiry into this. pic.twitter.com/VHZFc2zLSm

— Mission Ambedkar (@MissionAmbedkar) February 13, 2023

The Turning Point

However, the narrative underwent a dramatic shift after the Special Investigation Team (SIT), formed to probe Darshan’s death, recovered a suicide note from his belongings. In it, Darshan named his classmate, Armaan Iqbal Khatri, a Muslim student, accusing him of harassment. Further investigation revealed that the tensions reportedly began after Darshan, in a private conversation, made a remark perceived as communal, prompting Armaan to allegedly threaten him with a cutter blade. Darshan had apologized to Armaan afterward.

The emergence of Khatri’s identity led to a conspicuous and abrupt silence from the very activist groups that had initially mobilized in full force. APPSC and others who once condemned IIT Bombay as a site of “institutional murder” virtually disappeared from the conversation. Bhalachandra Mungekar reportedly stopped responding to calls from Darshan’s family. The momentum of protests dissipated, and demands for justice fell silent.

Critics argue that the silence was not accidental. They claim that for many caste-based and Leftist groups, once it was revealed that the accused was a Muslim and not an “upper-caste Hindu,” the case no longer served their ideological or political objectives. Some have gone as far as to allege that these organizations prioritize communal identity politics over justice for marginalized Hindus.

The SIT echoed this conclusion, stating that while peer pressure and bullying might have been present, no caste-related abuse was confirmed in the official investigation. Darshan’s father, Ramesh Solanki, expressed dissatisfaction with these findings, asserting that his son’s emotional distress and caste-related trauma had been downplayed.

Over 2 years ago 18 yo SC student Darshan Solanki committed suicide at #IITBombay

Immediately global media / activism machinery jumped in to make it about caste. Bhalachandra Mungekar of Ambedkar Periyar Phule Study Circle (APPSC), a casteist Eradicate Sanatan organisation… pic.twitter.com/fL0u8vHMVU

— Eminent Intellectual (@total_woke_) July 5, 2025

As Armaan Iqbal Khatri’s involvement came into focus, many of the earlier campaigners who had been vocal about caste injustice began distancing themselves from the case. Notably, groups like APPSC gradually stopped discussing the issue, leading critics to question their motivations.

Delay in Justice

Despite being arrested, Khatri was soon granted bail and resumed classes at IIT Bombay. While the case languished in procedural delays, his legal team even filed to have the FIR quashed—effectively halting any progress toward trial. Meanwhile, families and supporters of Darshan Solanki were left waiting.

Activists who had earlier demanded institutional overhaul and accountability now avoided discussing the case altogether. Critics say the hypocrisy is evident: a movement that once threatened to “burn down IIT” in the name of caste justice showed no appetite to confront the accused once his identity complicated their narrative.

Trial to Begin

With the High Court now rejecting Armaan Khatri’s effort to have the case dismissed, the matter is finally moving toward a trial. Darshan’s family has expressed hope that justice will be served, even as they continue to criticize the institutional and social failure that allowed the case to be buried for so long.

For many, Darshan Solanki’s name has faded from headlines. But this moment marks a chance to restore the conversation—not through selective outrage, but through an honest reckoning with the social and psychological pressures students face, regardless of who the accused may be.

(With inputs from OpIndia)

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Professor Suryakant Waghmore, a faculty member in the Department of Humanities and Social Sciences at the Indian Institute of Technology Bombay (IIT-B), has found himself at the center of mounting controversy over a series of public remarks, political commentary, and alleged ideological bias that critics say violate institutional norms and offend religious sentiments.

On 12 June 2025, IIT-B issued a formal show-cause notice to Prof. Waghmore for publishing a politically charged op-ed in the Times of India without obtaining prior clearance from the institute, as mandated under Schedule B, Paragraph 5(ii) of IIT-B’s code of conduct. The article, titled “Mumbai’s Big Cash Polls”, included his official designation and focused on the upcoming BMC elections. Instead of responding to the administration, Prof. Waghmore publicized the memo on social media, captioning it: “Another struggle for reforming the IIT system begins!”

> IITB professor writes a politically charged piece violating institutional policies
> Got a show cause notice
> Instead of replying to administration, publicises notice to cast aspersions on Twitter

Is this allowed @iitbombay @dpradhanbjp? pic.twitter.com/QYfgHpggBL

— Harshil (હર્ષિલ) (@MehHarshil) June 18, 2025

Who Is Suryakant Waghmore?

Suryakant Waghmore is an Associate Professor of Sociology at IIT Bombay. His stated research interests include social exclusion, caste and violence, Dalit politics, institutional deprivation, and “Hinduism” — often framed through a highly critical and ideological lens.

His bio says, “My research has encompassed a mixed method approach to study social exclusion, politics at margins, policy processes and state-civil society relations. I have been using ethnography, with other qualitative research methods and descriptive statistics to underline how social exclusion operates in India. Ethnography has helped me keep my research outcomes nuanced. For instance while studying caste, I have focused on aspects of emotions – humour and anger to theorise caste better. This has helped me frame broader theoretical arguments on vernacular modernity in Indian subcontinent.

On the other hand I have also done policy relevant research that has helped corporations and state bodies. I have completed a research on Katkaris, one of the most vulnerable tribal groups in Maharashtra. While working with govt. and non-government development agencies over the years, I closely observed the influence of cultural politics on development processes and how state and non-state actors converge and disperse to institutionalize deprivation. This interface of culture, state and social exclusion processes has continued to be a major area of my research interest.

My research also explores social movements of traditionally marginalised groups and their attempts of achieving genuine civility and democracy in the Indian context. Current research interest includes a focus on changing forms of caste etiquette in modern India.”

Meet Suryakant Waghmore, associate professor of sociology, IIT Bombay.

Research interests: social exclusion, "marginalized groups", institutionalized deprivation, "caste & violence", dalit politics, "Hinduism" …

Why is this person employed by the IIT?https://t.co/xouhEW1lxV pic.twitter.com/RGuGk9bqJm

— Abhijit Chavda (@AbhijitChavda) October 5, 2019

Let’s take a look at his various ‘achievements’!

Mocking Hindus 

Controversy has long followed Waghmore, whose social media posts and public interviews regularly attack vegetarianism and Hindu practices. In a widely circulated post, he wrote, “I am hoping to be pure vegetarian in next life. Hope to have an arranged marriage, take dowry, drink cow urine, vote for BJP and attack Muslims. This life is dedicated to Ambedkarism.”

Can IITB professor stereotype vegetarian population like this?

Is this conduct acceptable to @iitbombay? How is he unbiased in his professional conduct? @dpradhanbjp @EduMinOfIndia #SaveIITBombay pic.twitter.com/QbJEHT3KkJ

— Harshil (હર્ષિલ) (@MehHarshil) June 18, 2025

The comment, interpreted by many as mocking vegetarians, arranged marriages, and Hindu customs, prompted backlash, with users questioning whether such stereotyping is acceptable for an academic in a taxpayer-funded institution.

Mocking Hindu Practices And Promoting Anti-India Narratives

Waghmore’s disdain for Hindu traditions is well-documented. He once compared a PhD in humanities to “not drinking cow urine for cancer cure,” mocking Hindu beliefs.

He posted a photo from Europe with the caption, “Somewhere in Europe where… no one wears a sacred thread, no one takes dowry… where 94% of the population does not have arranged marriages, where women are not disallowed in kitchens and temples during their periods. Shall I go on?”

His research paper “The Dominant Victim” argues that upper-caste Hindus claim “imagined victimhood” to overshadow Dalit struggles.

The Dominant Victim – paper by Suryakant Waghmore explores this phenomenon of an imagined victimhood. A mix of status anxiety and perpetuating privilege by getting equal to or superceding Dalit claims. Almost all power vested in a pyschic harm attribute to the label sudra.. pic.twitter.com/I6ot6mosxo

— Reality Check India (@realitycheckind) May 11, 2025

Attacking Vegetarian Students As “Militant” And “Casteist”

Waghmore has been at the center of multiple controversies regarding mess policies at IIT Bombay. In 2023, when vegetarian students (many of them Jains) requested six dedicated tables out of 129 in the common mess, Waghmore called them “militant” and accused them of enforcing “purity-pollution practices.” He supported a student, Abhishek Mali, who deliberately ate non-vegetarian food at vegetarian-designated tables in protest. Mali was fined ₹10,000, but Waghmore condemned the penalty as “disgraceful.”

In IIT-Bombay, food terrorists use the same laddle for veg and non-veg items.

Vegetarian students are denied a separate kitchen and tables to avoid mixing.

Professors like Guha and Waghmore support these terrorists by calling pure vegetarians ‘militant’. pic.twitter.com/mCOQP5O8Kv

— Harshil (હર્ષિલ) (@MehHarshil) June 18, 2025

In an interview, Waghmore claimed, “Vegetarianism is violent. Because you prevent your children from being exposed to the sight and smell of meat, which is attractive.”

"Vegetarianism is violent. Because you prevent your children from being exposed to the sight and smell from meat, which is attractive."

– Excerpt from an interview with Suryakant Waghmore, sociology professor at IIT-B.

Dude thinks others drool at the thought of meat like… pic.twitter.com/syGWR9OpQU

— Shivam Lakhanpal (@lp_shivam) October 16, 2023

Critics have pointed out the hypocrisy in his stance—while he opposes separate vegetarian tables, halal food restrictions remain unchallenged on campus as also there being separate food and tables during Ramadan.

Today #IITBombay students rec'd a mail about the amazing fasting preparation for #Ramadan. Entire Humanities department had a collective orgasm.

The same professors and some left students had had a fit when a mere six tables were reserved for those eating vegetarian food. Anyone… pic.twitter.com/IDcrUjSlLl

— Eminent Intellectual (@total_woke_) February 9, 2025

Alleged Bias In Academic Conduct

In 2024, IIT Bombay’s PhD entrance exam included a question on Hindutva, which many saw as an attempt to screen out Hindu applicants.

IIT Bombay, in their Phd entrance exam asked a provocative question on Hindutva.

it's ok to study Hindutva but asking that question in a screening test is basically making sure only Hindu haters will be selected.

Blatant discrimination on taxpayer money @iitbombay pic.twitter.com/K3PFIvJw1g

— Eminent Intellectual (@total_woke_) September 14, 2025

When students protested, Waghmore mocked them by posting a video of himself dancing, further fueling accusations of unprofessionalism.

@iitbombay who is this chutiya Suryakant Waghmore ?

Recently IIT Bombay held Phd entrance test in which they asked about Hindutva. This is clearly an attempt to deny entry to Hindus. When some students called out this blatant partisanship, this video was his reply. pic.twitter.com/hMK1eYjb6X

— Bhole (@Bholenath) May 21, 2024

It is noteworthy that Waghmore had deleted his X account after these incidents came to light. Given his repeated pattern of controversial, politically charged, and frequently anti-Hindu commentary, many are now asking: How is someone like this employed at a premier technical institution funded by Indian taxpayers?

Professors at IIT Bombay apart from Suryakant Waghmore such as Anupam Guha have come under public scrutiny for their politicized commentary, ideological bias, and controversial conduct. Guha, an outspoken communist and activist, has supported figures like Hamas sympathizer Megha Vemuri and backed protests such as the anti-Sterlite agitation and anti-CAA marches, often promoting leftist and separatist narratives. He is linked to radical groups like The Collective and Kosambi Circle and has criticized national policies including Article 370’s abrogation. Additionally, a PhD scholar at the institute, Adarsh Priyadarshi, faces allegations of sexual misconduct, raising concerns about unchecked ideological networks and lack of accountability within the campus.

P.S: Waghmore’s X account was unavailable/hidden at the time of publishing this article leading us to the conclusion that he may have deleted the account. His X account is now available.

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The post Meet IIT Bombay’s Humanities Dept Professor Suryakant Waghmore Who Mocked Hindus, Called Vegetarianism “Casteist” & A “Social Illness” appeared first on The Commune.

Yogeshwari Selvam, a student from Government Higher Secondary School in Padanthal, Virudhunagar district, Tamil Nadu, has beaten the odds to earn a seat in the prestigious aerospace engineering program at IIT Bombay by securing a high rank in JEE (Advanced).

Though not considered an exceptional student early on—just above average by her own admission—Yogeshwari’s interest in aerospace engineering sparked in Class VII. “Somehow, I became fascinated with the subject,” she recalled. That passion became her driving force, helping her rise above personal and financial challenges.

Her father works at a tea stall, and her mother is employed in a fireworks manufacturing unit. Despite the family’s modest income, her parents were determined to support the education of all their children, including their daughter.

Yogeshwari only learned about the IIT entrance process when she attended a session under the Kalloori Kanavu initiative, part of the Tamil Nadu government’s Naan Mudhalvan scheme, in her final year of school. “That was when I first heard about the JEE exam and realised that IIT could be within reach if I put in extra effort,” she said.

She was further encouraged after attending the ‘Coffee with Collector’ event, where Virudhunagar Collector V.P. Jeyaseelan interacted with students and inspired them to aim high.

With no access to private coaching, Yogeshwari’s preparation came through a special 40-day training program in Erode after her Class XII board exams, organised under the Naan Mudhalvan scheme. She was one of 230 government school students selected for this focused support. An educational consultant with the Virudhunagar Educational Trust identified her potential, especially her strength in Mathematics.

Initially, her parents were reluctant to send her far from home for the training, but they eventually agreed, recognising it as a chance for a brighter future. Despite studying in Tamil medium throughout school, she adapted quickly during training, picking up essential English vocabulary to tackle the highly competitive exam.

Yogeshwari’s hard work paid off—she secured the 75th rank in the differently-abled category (as she suffers from dwarfism) within the non-creamy layer of the OBC community. In recognition of her success, Collector Jeyaseelan presented her with ₹5,000 from discretionary funds and assured her that the Tamil Nadu government would cover her IIT education expenses.

Looking ahead, Yogeshwari is determined to join the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) after completing her degree, staying true to the dream that took root years ago in a small government school classroom.

(With inputs from The Hindu)

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The post Tamil Nadu’s Tiny Giant: Virudhunagar Govt School Girl Makes It To IIT Bombay To Pursue Aerospace Dreams appeared first on The Commune.

The Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs), which produces world-class technocrats, scientists, thinkers and innovators, are increasingly becoming breeding grounds for leftist, Marxist and extremist ideologues who have nothing to do with science, innovation, or nation-building.

Instead of encouraging critical thinking and technological excellence, a section of faculty and students are now focused on pushing communist, revisionist, anti-Hindu and anti-national narratives. Their aim appears not to create knowledge but to corrupt young minds, glorify failed revolutions, and transform these institutions into echo chambers of leftist dogma.

All of this is being done under the convenient shield of “freedom of speech and expression.” Professors who were hired to teach engineering and technology now indulge in rewriting history, distorting facts, and indoctrinating students with ideological poison. The result? A decline in academic seriousness and a rise in polarization with a politicized campus culture.

The following examples illustrate how these institutions have become leftist strongholds, where faculty indoctrination has hijacked the academic space, leading to an unhealthy and unproductive learning environment.

IIT Gandhinagar

Promoting Islamist Theology

In late April 2025, the Humanities Department of IIT Gandhinagar was under the spotlight. You wonder why? For promoting ideologically charged research topics, many of which center around Islamic theology. The situation has sparked national concern, with calls for the Ministry of Education and the IIT Council to investigate the use of taxpayer-funded resources for what critics are calling “ideological indoctrination.”

MA-level thesis topics such as:

• “Robes of Authority: Sunni Ulama, Sartorial Tradition, and Embodied Piety in Malabar”
• “Fishing With Faith: Islam, Indigenous Knowledge and Ecological Sustainability in Lakshadweep”
• “From Gods to Jinn: Ontological Rewriting and the Islamization of Spirits in Kerala”

…have raised eyebrows across the academic and public spectrum.

These projects, approved by faculty members including Nishaant Choksi, Rosa Maria Perez, Madhumita Sengupta, and Sharada Visweswara, have been criticized for veering away from academic neutrality and into religious glorification. Hindu students have alleged discrimination, stating they were discouraged or even threatened when questioning the ideological tilt of the department.

An internal email by Prof. Choksi, warning students of “consequences” for leaking information about these theses, has further fueled claims of intimidation and lack of transparency.

Here is the original research that has gone into this great Islamic study. I request IIT Gandhinagar to take up a new project that will help identity Kafirs through the fear in their voice even if they memorize kalma. Let's create more application oriented research shall we? pic.twitter.com/LNNTgQm1J3

— Eminent Intellectual (@total_woke_) April 28, 2025

Administrative Silence And Selective Permissions

Adding to the discontent, several students report a pattern of selective administrative decisions that they believe demonstrate institutional bias. For instance, permission for a candlelight vigil in memory of jawans killed in a terror attack in Pahalgam was reportedly denied, while events perceived as sympathetic to the Palestinian cause were allowed in the wake of the October 7 Hamas attack.

The administration of @iitgn recently denied any protest or solidarity march regarding the Pahalgam Terrorist attacks. pic.twitter.com/MdGProrShg

— Indian Right Wing Community (@indianrightwing) May 1, 2025

Diwali celebrations allegedly faced restrictions, while events critical of Hindu beliefs—like readings from Riddles in Hinduism on Mahashivratri—were permitted without issue.

A student group named Awaam has come under scrutiny for its programming, which has included lectures on “Brahminical Oppression of Women” and birthday celebrations for EV Ramasamy Naicker, a controversial Dravidianist demagogue known for his anti-Hindu rhetoric.

Periyar Jayanti celebration in IIT Gandhinagar.

You know which department is this.

I repeat: catapult the person who gave idea of opening humanity departments at IITs. pic.twitter.com/6EMpnaT0fb

— Harshil (હર્ષિલ) (@MehHarshil) May 1, 2025

Associate Professor Dr. Amit Arora Supporting Separatist Umar Khalid And Hamas Sympathizers

Associate Professor Dr. Amit Arora, a faculty member in the Department of Materials Engineering, recently drew public backlash for his controversial political views shared on social media. Though trained in numerical modeling, additive manufacturing, and friction stir welding, Arora reportedly used his now-deleted X account to support controversial figures such as Umar Khalid—an accused in the 2020 Delhi riots case—and to mock India’s diplomatic actions during Operation Sindoor. He also appeared to sympathize with Hamas supporters among American students while lamenting Islamophobia.

Critics argue that such behavior is unbecoming of a professor in a taxpayer-funded technical institute and raises serious concerns about the ideological environment being cultivated for young engineering students. 

Meet prof Amit Arora of IIT Gandhinagar. Instead of teaching material science to Engineering students, he is more interested in supporting terrorist Umar Khalid, making fun of Indian war time diplomacy, crying about Islamophobia and glorifying Hamas support by American students.… pic.twitter.com/3zQJt3HlJz

— Eminent Intellectual (@total_woke_) June 8, 2025

In one post, responding to a leftist handle that is known to spew venom on traditional Indian/Hindu practices, on the topic of using the name Bharat instead of the name India, Prof Arora replied, “Bharat is their Brahminical, oppressive, and bigoted version of the actual united secular India.” – a very typical reponse by a leftist, Prof Arora proving over and over again his loyalties towards the left by displaying hate for anything Indic or traditional as well as tagging everything as “Brahminical” as is expected of a true-blue leftist.

“Bharat is…Brahminical, oppressive, and bigoted…”

~ Professor Amit Arora, IIT Gandhinagar.

Can central government employees make such comments publicly? @directoriitgn @iitgn pic.twitter.com/7rOHwFqmk0

— Harshil (હર્ષિલ) (@MehHarshil) June 8, 2025

Serious Allegations Of Grooming Culture

Concerns extend beyond ideological leanings. Allegations of inappropriate professor-student relationships, including instances of professors drinking with female students and even marrying them, have been quietly circulating in academic circles. While most lack hard evidence, a few past incidents—such as a dismissed professor from IIT Bombay—have given these whispers some weight. The normalization of such behavior in elite campuses is being viewed with increasing alarm by both parents and academic watchdogs.

Also since I've been investigating IITs and some private colleges, I'm absolutely blown away by the no of professors who drink with female students. I can't prove it in most cases (except that one IIT Bombay prof who got fired and some prof who married their students later), but…

— Eminent Intellectual (@total_woke_) June 8, 2025

IIT Bombay

IIT Bombay Invites Leftist Theatre Artist, Glorifies Hamas & Gun Culture

The Humanities and Social Sciences (HSS) Department at IIT Bombay landed in controversy after inviting Sudhanva Deshpande, a radical left-leaning actor and director associated with the Jana Natya Manch (Janam)—a Delhi-based leftist theatre collective. Deshpande, during a virtual lecture hosted by Professor Sharmishtha Saha, made highly contentious remarks praising Hamas-linked figures and defending armed insurgency as a form of resistance.

In his address, Deshpande recounted his visit to Palestine in 2015, where he met Zakaria Zubeidi, a known militant figure. Zubeidi was the former head of the Al-Aqsa Martyrs’ Brigades in Jenin, a group labeled a terrorist organization by numerous global entities including Israel, the European Union, the United States, Canada, Japan, and New Zealand. He has been implicated in the 2002 Beit She’an terrorist attack, which left six civilians dead, and was arrested again in 2019 for orchestrating shooting attacks on civilian targets in the West Bank.

Zackary was involved in a suicide bombing in the heart of Tel Aviv that killed an Israeli woman. Kanafani was the spokesman, and editor of Al-Hadaf (Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine-PFLP), a revolutionary organization whose military wing targeted Israeli interests…

— IIT B for Bharat (@IITBforBharat) November 7, 2023

Despite Zubeidi’s known terror affiliations, Deshpande described the encounter in admiring terms. He further quoted Ghassan Kanafani, a Marxist-Leninist figure associated with the Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine (PFLP)—another internationally recognized terrorist organization. Deshpande cited Kanafani’s infamous assertion, “In order to have liberation, we need guns… It has to be an armed struggle.”

Doubling down on this narrative, Deshpande appeared to justify the normalization of armed conflict, saying, “If we don’t have the culture to go with the guns, the guns will turn on us… we will start killing each other.”

He described the Palestinian assault on Israel not as terrorism but as a “freedom struggle,” stating, “There has never been a freedom struggle in the history of colonialism that has been 100% non-violent… What you see in Palestine today is a continuation of that same model of resistance.”

His statements have triggered sharp criticism from academic observers and civil society, who argue that IIT Bombay, a premier taxpayer-funded STEM institution, has allowed politically motivated and ideologically extreme voices to dominate platforms meant for academic engagement.

#IITBSupportsHammas
We will see "No IITian is welcomed here" sign boards all over the world for on campus blatant acts supporting #Hammas terrorism; @iitbombay must start ruthless crackdown on these elements to save Brand IIT! @dpradhanbjp must intervene! https://t.co/aBL23delUR

— Legal Rights Observatory- LRO (@LegalLro) November 7, 2023

@iitbombay Prof Sharmishtha Saha(Dept HSS)invited radical leftist Sudhanv Deshpande 2 eulogize Palestinian militants Zakaria Zubeidi, Ghassan Kanafani in the guise of the documentary when @VPIndia visited @iitbombay & cautioned students 2 not to fall prey 2 anti-Bharat narrative.… pic.twitter.com/a5HkgJqDdq

— IIT B for Bharat (@IITBforBharat) November 7, 2023

Double Standards of ‘Secularism’

Similarly, IIT Bombay faced criticism over its contradictory stance on food segregation after the administration was seen facilitating elaborate meal arrangements for Ramadan while previously “refusing” its approval for vegetarian-only tables, calling it “exclusionary and casteist.”

An internal email sent by the General Secretary (Health Advisory HA) on behalf of “Ramadan volunteers” informed students about Sehri (pre-dawn meal) arrangements for those observing the fast. Hostels were divided into zones for easy access, and meals would be delivered to female hostels based on headcount. Students interested in availing of the facility were asked to register.

Today #IITBombay students rec'd a mail about the amazing fasting preparation for #Ramadan. Entire Humanities department had a collective orgasm.

The same professors and some left students had had a fit when a mere six tables were reserved for those eating vegetarian food. Anyone… pic.twitter.com/IDcrUjSlLl

— Eminent Intellectual (@total_woke_) February 9, 2025

However, this move ignited accusations of selective religious favoritism. IIT-B buckled under pressure for a decision to allocate just a few tables for vegetarian students.

In 2023, posters marking “vegetarians only” seating areas appeared in a hostel mess, triggering outrage from the Ambedkar Periyar Phule Study Circle (APPSC). The posters were torn down, and RTI inquiries later confirmed that IIT-B has no official policy allowing separate eating spaces. The administration followed up with a warning email, declaring that no student had the right to designate areas for specific food preferences.

Even though the vegetarian-only tables were open to all castes and religions, the move was labeled “discriminatory” and “a Brahminical imposition.” Some activist students even went as far as to deliberately consume non-vegetarian food at those tables in protest.

Yet, the same faculty and student groups that opposed vegetarian tables have raised no objections to Ramadan-specific dining arrangements. This has led to allegations that IIT-B selectively enforces its so-called secular principles—opposing dietary preferences linked to Hindu and Jain traditions while bending over backward to accommodate Islamic practices.

This extends beyond seating arrangements. While vegetarian tables were deemed casteist, halal food remains unquestioned on campus. Critics argue that if separate tables for vegetarians were seen as divisive, then so should halal-only meat, which actively excludes non-Muslim butchers. However, IIT-B faculty and leftist student groups remain silent on this inconsistency.

One of those leftist “professors” who was at the forefront of these anti-Hindu/Jain activities was Suryakant Waghmore.

This "professor" Suryakant Waghmore was at the forefront of all anti Hindu anti Jain activities. Watch this video, I don't have to say more. pic.twitter.com/0e1nlHhSLU

— Eminent Intellectual (@total_woke_) February 9, 2025

However, with Ramadan meal arrangements being officially coordinated by the administration, many ask why IIT Bombay applies different rules depending on the religion in question.

Assistant Professor Supporting Hamas Sympathizer

Anupam Guha, a professor at IIT Bombay, came under scrutiny after voicing support for Indian American student Megha Vemuri, who was recently barred from attending her graduation ceremony at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT). Vemuri, the president of MIT’s Class of 2025, was reportedly prevented from participating after delivering an anti-Israel speech during an official event on 29 May 2025.

In a post on X, Guha commented, “That MIT student has courage and did an admirable thing. At her age, I might not have gone that far.” His statement quickly gained widespread attention and sparked debate online.

Following this, Guha has come under scrutiny not just for this specific statement, but also for his broader history of political commentary and activism. He frequently used his social media to promote leftist political ‘extremist’ ideologies, especially through his focus on humanities and technology policy.

Support For Anti-Sterlite Agitation 2018

Guha has previously supported several controversial protests, including the 2018 anti-Sterlite agitation in Tamil Nadu. That movement led to the permanent closure of the Sterlite copper plant after violent demonstrations resulted in the deaths of 13 people. The shutdown significantly impacted India’s copper production, turning the country from a net exporter to a net importer.

In his post, he wrote, “Capitalism cannot function without State terrorism. Perfect example of that is the Sterlite protest. My solidarity with the tens of thousands of brave protestors resisting for years that copper smelting plant resulting in nine martyrs. Down with Vedanta!”

Criticizing Abrogation Of Article 370

In addition, Guha has been vocal in his opposition to the amendment of Article 370 in 2019, which ended Jammu and Kashmir’s special constitutional status. He described the move as “constitutionally illegitimate.”

In his post, he stated, “Read this sharp and detailed explainer by @MaLawdy on why what happened is most probably constitutionally illegitimate firstpost.com/india/understa…”

Anti-CAA & NRC

His social media activity during the anti-Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) and National Register of Citizens (NRC) protests in 2020 also drew attention. Guha actively participated in campus demonstrations and encouraged IIT Bombay students to join a march “to save the Constitution.”

He stated, “For the last 8 days the faculty, students, staff and people in IITB have protested in a row, against NRC-CAA-NPR and against the brutality done on various campuses. There were teach ins, songs, and discussions. Today will be the last protest and a march. Come in large numbers.”

Distortive Propaganda with Leftists

Furthermore, Guha has written so much that reflects Marxist and separatist perspectives on the Kashmir issue, including writings by authors like Aatina Nasir Malik and Khadeeja Raina, which explore themes of childhood and violence in conflict zones.

Anupam Guha, also expressed strong opposition to the use of the term ‘tukde tukde gang’, going so far as to label those who use it as akin to terrorists in his view.

Guha wrote, “Not just an enabler. A participant in stochastic terrorism.” In another post he stated, “They are quite adept at destroying data. Everything must be archived. And yes, one day the whole lot will be prosecuted.”

Advocating Radical Communism

Guha is also associated with the Kosambi Circle, a Communist group he founded that explores Marxist and revolutionary political thought. The group engages with works by thinkers such as M.N. Roy and M.P.T. Acharya.

In related threads, Guha’s involvement with The Collective, a communist organization, is also noted. He has been a speaker at their events, including a workshop held on International Working Women’s Day that focused on systemic issues in labor and employment.

The Collective also had a problem with Maoist neutralisation that took place recently. They called it ‘Adivasi genocide’!. On their handle, they wrote, “We will not forget the extrajudicial killing of CPI (Maoist) General Secretary Com. Nambala Keshava Rao (Basavaraj) and 26 martyrs amid call for ceasefire and peace talks! Stop Adivasi genocide for corporate plunder in the name of Operation Kagaar!”

Anupam Guha openly identifies as a communist and is accused of using his academic platform to advocate for radical ideological positions.

 

IIT Bombay PhD Scholar Accused Of Sexual Assault

A minor (then 17) accused Adarsh Priyadarshi, a leftist IIT Bombay PhD scholar, of sexual assault and forcibly kissing her despite refusal. The victim, now going public after failed private resolutions, alleges Priyadarshi (then 24) still retains his academic platform and left-liberal connections unchecked. She claims she engaged with him due to shared political circles before the incident. Despite her prior warnings in these circles, no action was taken, forcing her to expose him publicly. Priyadarshi has blocked her on social media.

PERVERT ALERT: Leftist PhD scholar at IIT Bombay, Adarsh Priyadarshi, is accused of sexually assaulting a minor and forcibly kissing her despite her strong refusal.

The minor victim says she was 17 at the time and he was 24. pic.twitter.com/YZupNtP2LT

— Sensei Kraken Zero (@YearOfTheKraken) June 11, 2025

It is not just these two IITs, there’s more!

IIT Guwahati

Student Declares ISIS Affiliation

In March 2024, Tauseef Ali Farooqui, a biotechnology student at IIT Guwahati, was detained by Assam Police after he publicly declared allegiance to the Islamic State (ISIS) in a disturbing post on LinkedIn. His post described India as a “land of non-believers,” and he issued an ultimatum for conversion to Islam or the threat of consequences. This triggered swift action by state and central security agencies.

In his open letter, Farooqui denounced the Indian Constitution and claimed loyalty solely to Allah. He vowed to migrate Muslims to the ISIS-controlled Khorasan Province and called upon “non-believers” to confront him, declaring that all land belonged to Allah. He warned those who failed to repent would face dire outcomes—language that drew serious concern from intelligence authorities.

Assam’s Special Task Force (STF) launched an immediate operation. Additional SP Kalyan Pathak confirmed that surveillance was activated at the airport, but Farooqui was eventually traced to Hajo, a town near Guwahati. He was taken into custody and is currently being interrogated. Authorities noted his preference for isolation and signs of potential radicalization.

This arrest came just days after Assam Police apprehended Haris Farooqi, one of the most wanted ISIS operatives in India, on 20 March 2024. Farooqi, originally from Aligarh, Uttar Pradesh, had been involved in ISIS-related activities since 2019. He was arrested alongside his associate Anurag Singh (alias Rehan)—a convert to Islam from Panipat, whose wife is a Bangladeshi national.

Farooqi is believed to have played a key role in radicalizing Indian youth and creating ISIS sleeper cells across multiple states, including Delhi, Uttar Pradesh, Maharashtra, Jharkhand, Karnataka, Punjab, Goa, and Madhya Pradesh. He is also known to have handled recruitment, funding, and training in improvised explosive devices (IEDs), drawing parallels with Indian Mujahideen’s Yasin Bhatkal.

His name had surfaced earlier during the July 2023 arrest of Faizan Ansari, a 19-year-old AMU student, who reportedly encountered radical elements near the university. Intelligence agencies believe Farooqi ran covert online operations to circulate ISIS propaganda and enlist vulnerable youth for terrorist activities.

Assam’s Inspector General of Police (IGP), STF, Parthasarathi Mahanta, detailed the crackdown: “We began operations on 18  March after receiving intel about ISIS infiltration. On 19 March, a search was conducted in Dharmashala, Dhubri. These individuals were attempting to flee on foot. We had facial recognition data which confirmed their identities.”

He added, “Since the NIA already had pending cases against them, the suspects were handed over. We now aim to trace any sleeper cells they may have activated within Assam.”

IIT Madras

Student’s Woke Statement Sympathizing For Palestine

Dhananjay Balakrishnan, a student from the Mechanical Engineering department at IIT Madras, was awarded the Governor’s Prize during the institute’s convocation ceremony—an honor recognizing the best overall proficiency in both academics and extracurriculars among Dual Degree students.

Balakrishnan, who completed an interdisciplinary dual degree in Mechanical Engineering and Data Science, used his convocation address to make virtue-signaling and political statements. He began by saying he would be doing “a great injustice” to his beliefs if he stayed silent.

He said, “This is a call for action. There is a mass genocide going on in Palestine. People are dying in vast numbers and there is no visible end in sight. Why should we be bothered by this you ask? Because STEM as a field in itself has historically been used to advance the ulterior motives of the imperial powers such as Israel. As engineering students, we work very hard to get top-level jobs at tech giants which offer very lucrative pays and great benefits. However, these tech giants control various aspects of our lives today as you know better than anyone. Many of these prestigious companies are also directly and indirectly implicated in the war against Palestine by providing the state of Israel with technology, technology that is used to kill.”

Ambedkar Periyar Study Circle’s Notoriety

Ambedkar Periyar Study circle is a notorious group which while identifying itself as ‘group of socially concerned’ students who espouse ‘rational and secular’ thinking. However, APSC and its offshoots in other educational institutes like IIT-Bombay, IIT Delhi and JNU are more commonly known for spewing venom against Prime Minister Modi. The members of the group through social media also spread venom against other communities under the garb of ’empowerment’.

The Ambedkar Periyar Study Circle (APSC) organized a “beef festival” in 2017 to protest against the Union Government’s cattle trade restrictions.

Following this, PhD student R. Sooraj, who participated in the event and was associated with APSC, was allegedly present in the Jain mess. Media reports claimed Sooraj was attacked while dining in a vegetarian mess, and images of his injuries were widely shared.

However, the incident began with a verbal exchange after Manish questioned Sooraj’s presence at the Jain mess. According to reports, Sooraj made provocative remarks, which led to a fight where both students were injured—Manish sustained a fractured hand, while Sooraj had facial injuries. An IIT Madras spokesperson confirmed that both students were hurt in the altercation.

In September 2015, during the Jain festival Paryushan, there was meat ban in parts of the country for the eight days, as a mark of respect to the Jain community. Ambedkar Periyar Study Circle referred to it as ‘Jain appeasement’.

Institutes Of Technology Not Ideology

The creeping ideological takeover of IITs, under the guise of academic freedom, threatens to erode the very foundations of these institutions. Funded by the Indian taxpayer to produce engineers and scientists, they now risk being repurposed as hubs for activism, ideological grooming, and cultural subversion. It’s time the Ministry of Education, IIT Council, and concerned citizens demand transparency, neutrality, and a return to the original mandate of these elite campuses.

IITs were built to create engineers, innovators, pioneers. Not radical communists.

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The post From Innovation To Indoctrination: The Hijacking Of IITs Through ‘Humanities’  appeared first on The Commune.

Anupam Guha, a professor at IIT Bombay, is facing criticism after voicing support for Indian American student Megha Vemuri, who was recently barred from attending her graduation ceremony at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT). Vemuri, the president of MIT’s Class of 2025, was reportedly prevented from participating after delivering a pro-Palestine speech during an official event on 29 May 2025.

In a post on X, Guha commented, “That MIT student has courage and did an admirable thing. At her age, I might not have gone that far.” His statement quickly gained widespread attention and sparked debate online.

Following this, Guha has come under scrutiny not just for this specific statement, but also for his broader history of political commentary and activism. Critics argue that he frequently uses his academic position to promote leftist political ‘extremist’ ideologies, especially through his focus on humanities and technology policy.

Guha has previously supported several controversial protests, including the 2018 anti-Sterlite agitation in Tamil Nadu. That movement led to the permanent closure of the Sterlite copper plant after violent demonstrations resulted in the deaths of 13 people. The shutdown significantly impacted India’s copper production, turning the country from a net exporter to a net importer.

In his post, he wrote, “Capitalism cannot function without State terrorism. Perfect example of that is the Sterlite protest. My solidarity with the tens of thousands of brave protestors resisting for years that copper smelting plant resulting in nine martyrs. Down with Vedanta!”

In addition, Guha has been vocal in his opposition to the revocation of Article 370 in 2019, which ended Jammu and Kashmir’s special constitutional status. He described the move as “constitutionally illegitimate.”

In his post, he stated, “Read this sharp and detailed explainer by @MaLawdy on why what happened is most probably constitutionally illegitimate firstpost.com/india/understa…”

Guha is also associated with the Kosambi Circle, a Communist group he founded that explores Marxist and revolutionary political thought. The group engages with works by thinkers such as M.N. Roy and M.P.T. Acharya.

His social media activity during the anti-Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) and National Register of Citizens (NRC) protests in 2020 also drew attention. Guha actively participated in campus demonstrations and encouraged IIT Bombay students to join a march “to save the Constitution.”

He stated, “For the last 8 days the faculty, students, staff and people in IITB have protested in a row, against NRC-CAA-NPR and against the brutality done on various campuses. There were teach ins, songs, and discussions. Today will be the last protest and a march. Come in large numbers.”

Furthermore, Guha has written so much that reflects Marxist and separatist perspectives on the Kashmir issue, including writings by authors like Aatina Nasir Malik and Khadeeja Raina, which explore themes of childhood and violence in conflict zones.

Anupam Guha, a humanities professor at IIT Bombay, also expressed strong opposition to the use of the term ‘tukde tukde gang’, going so far as to label those who use it as akin to terrorists in his view.

Guha wrote, “Not just an enabler. A participant in stochastic terrorism.” In another post he stated, “They are quite adept at destroying data. Everything must be archived. And yes, one day the whole lot will be prosecuted.”

In related threads, Guha’s involvement with The Collective, a communist organization, is also noted. He has been a speaker at their events, including a workshop held on International Working Women’s Day that focused on systemic issues in labor and employment.

The Collective also had a problem with Maoist neutralisation that took place recently. They called it ‘Adivasi genocide’!. On their handle, they wrote, “We will not forget the extrajudicial killing of CPI (Maoist) General Secretary Com. Nambala Keshava Rao (Basavaraj) and 26 martyrs amid call for ceasefire and peace talks! Stop Adivasi genocide for corporate plunder in the name of Operation Kagaar!”

Anupam Guha openly identifies as a communist and is accused of using his academic platform to advocate for radical ideological positions.

 

Professor of Humanities (Policy Studies) at IIT Bombay. Our IITs have become trash due to humanities departments.

I repeat once again: defund humanities from IITs. Save IITs. pic.twitter.com/RpfthiHkwT

— Harshil (હર્ષિલ) (@MehHarshil) June 3, 2025

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The post From Opposing CAA & Article 370 Abrogation To Calling For Sterlite Shutdown: Meet ‘Communist’ IIT-Bombay Professor Anupam Guha Who Supports Anti-Israel Pro-Hamas Speech By MIT Student appeared first on The Commune.