Hemant Bhukya, father of a 24-year-old second-year MBA student at the Indian Institute of Management Ahmedabad (IIMA) who recently died by suicide, has accused local police of failing to conduct a thorough investigation into the incident.
On 26 September, Akshit Bhukya, a native of Warangal in Telangana, was found hanging in his hostel room at around 10:45 am.
The father claims his son was being harassed by someone at the institute over a dispute involving the use of the IIMA logo for The Red Brick Summit (TRBS), an event for which Akshit served as the primary coordinator. This prestigious three-day event was scheduled to begin on 27 September and was later cancelled in view of Akshit’s demise.
According to a police official from Vastrapur police station, the logo dispute had been resolved on September 20.
When contacted, Hemant Bhukya told Vibes of India, “The administration is hiding something. The advisor of administration was placed on paid leave by the authorities. He was withholding necessary permissions and creating tensions. Akshit told me certificates would not be issued if this event did not take place. He was being tormented, and permissions were not granted in writing.”
As per reports, following a heated discussion in a recent faculty council meeting, the administration sent the advisor on “paid leave” for an unspecified period. Senior faculty members have since stepped in to fill two key roles: one to replace the senior administrative manager and another to manage student affairs.
Bhukya further criticised the police investigation, alleging that officials are neglecting to question individuals directly linked to the case and are conducting the investigation slowly.
“Police officials are not taking statements from those directly involved. They claim official reasons are causing delays,” he said.
The Vastrapur police have sent Akshit’s mobile phone, tablet, and laptop to the Forensic Science Laboratory (FSL) for analysis.
On his father’s allegations, Investigation Officer RL Patel told Vibes of India, “We have recorded the statements of two people, with two remaining. The statement of the alleged CO involved is still pending. We have not been to the campus as most of our personnel are on duty for the ongoing Navratri festival. After Navratri, we will continue the investigation with greater focus. The investigation remains on track.”
Also Read: IIMA Suicide Case: Police Send Student’s Devices for Forensic Analysis Amid Harassment Allegations
