Brief
IIT Bombay parents begin second day of hunger strike over student's death
The Wakode family protests at Azad Maidan, seeking the arrest of a professor and the institute director after their son was found dead on Sept. 18.
By Felo News Desk · Published
Parents of IIT Bombay student Sahil Wakode began a second day of hunger strike on Tuesday at Azad Maidan in south Mumbai, pressing for action after their son was found dead on September 18, Deccan Chronicle reported.
Ravindra and Sonali Wakode, accompanied by a few supporters, sat on a makeshift stage holding a photograph of Sahil, a 22‑year‑old second‑year engineering student. Their lawyer, Nikhil Kamble, said no government representative had approached the family.
The family alleges caste discrimination and has demanded the arrest of Professor Suryanarayana Doolla, booked for abetment to suicide, and IIT Bombay director Shireesh Kedare. Doolla has been placed on leave while a 10‑member inquiry committee examines the case.
"Until Doolla and Kedare are arrested, the hunger strike will continue," Ravindra Wakode told reporters, adding that he had spoken with the Assistant Commissioner of Police and would follow police guidelines for the fast.
Police are reviewing CCTV footage and have questioned students, faculty and staff. The Crime Branch is leading the investigation, and Mumbai Congress president Varsha Gaikwad met the family at the protest site, offering support.
Key facts
- Parents of IIT Bombay student Sahil Wakode began a second day of hunger strike at Azad Maidan in Mumbai on September 29, 2026. (deccanchronicle.com)
- Sahil Wakode, 22, was found hanging in his hostel room on September 18, 2026, after being caught using ChatGPT during an exam. (deccanchronicle.com)
- The family demands the arrest of Professor Suryanarayana Doolla and IIT Bombay director Shireesh Kedare. (deccanchronicle.com)
- Professor Doolla has been sent on leave pending the inquiry, and a 10‑member committee has been formed to investigate. (deccanchronicle.com)
Timeline
- 2026-09-18 — Sahil Wakode found dead in IIT Bombay hostel room.
- 2026-09-27 — Felo News reported on the father's planned protest at Azad Maidan.
- 2026-09-29 — Parents begin second day of hunger strike.
Sources
- [1] deccanchronicle.com — originally reported as “IIT Bombay Student's Parents Continue Hunger Strike, Seek Action”
