IIT Bombay Student Suicides: Father to Protest at Azad Maidan
Sahil Wakode, a 22‑year‑old IIT Bombay engineering student, was found dead in his hostel room on September 18, 2026. His father, Ravindra Wakode, has announced a sit‑in protest at Azad Maidan and a hunger strike demanding a thorough investigation into alleged caste discrimination and abuse of power…
By Felo News Desk · Published
On the evening of September 18, 2026, 22‑year‑old Sahil Wakode, a second‑year B. Tech student at the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Bombay, was discovered hanging in his hostel room. The discovery followed an incident in which the student was reportedly caught using his mobile phone to access ChatGPT during a mid‑semester examination. The circumstances of his death have prompted a wave of protests, legal scrutiny, and demands for accountability from students, faculty, and the wider community.
Background of the Incident
Wakode’s death came after a series of events that raised concerns about campus safety and student welfare. According to reports, the student was found in a state of distress and was allegedly subjected to caste‑based discrimination by certain faculty members. The allegations were first brought to light when the student’s parents, Ravindra and his wife, approached the Powai Police Station in Mumbai with evidence of the alleged mistreatment.
In the days that followed, the Mumbai Police Crime Branch opened a formal investigation into the alleged abetment to suicide. The case was filed under an FIR that names Prof. Suryanarayana Doolla, a faculty member at IIT Bombay, as a key figure in the alleged discrimination. Doolla has since been placed on leave to allow an unbiased inquiry to proceed.
Institutional Response and Student Mobilization
In response to the tragedy, the board of IIT Bombay established a ten‑member committee to probe the circumstances surrounding Wakode’s death. However, the committee’s composition and the perceived impartiality of its members have become points of contention. Students at IIT Bombay organized a candlelight march on Friday night, demanding that the committee be re‑constituted and that any members who had expressed support for Prof. Doolla be removed.
Student unions from other premier institutes in India, including the Indian Institutes of Technology and the Indian Institutes of Science, have extended their support to the Wakode family. They have called for a transparent investigation and for decisive action against those responsible for the alleged abuse and subsequent suicide.
Father’s Protest and Hunger Strike
Ravindra Wakode, the father of the deceased, announced his intention to launch a sit‑in protest at Mumbai’s Azad Maidan on Monday. He stated that he would continue his fast until the perpetrators of his son’s death were held accountable. In an interview with a regional news channel, he said, “I do not care, even if I get arrested. My son should get justice constitutionally. This is the state of Chhatrapati Shivaji, Phule, Shahu and Ambedkar. I will start my sit‑in protest at Azad Maidan. I will continue my fight for justice.”
Wakode’s parents had previously staged a hunger strike at Azad Maidan on Thursday, drawing attention to the case and demanding a thorough investigation. The protest has attracted media coverage and public sympathy, with many people expressing support for the family’s demand for justice.
Legal and Social Implications
The case has highlighted the broader issue of caste discrimination within academic institutions. The allegations against Prof. Doolla and the subsequent investigation have raised questions about the mechanisms in place to protect students from harassment and abuse. The legal proceedings are ongoing, and the outcome of the investigation will likely influence policy changes within IIT Bombay and other educational institutions across India.
As the protests continue and the investigation unfolds, the situation remains fluid. The family’s demands for a transparent inquiry and accountability are being closely watched by students, faculty, and the public alike. The next steps will involve the final report from the inquiry committee, potential disciplinary actions against implicated faculty members, and the legal ramifications for those found responsible.
In the meantime, the community remains hopeful that the case will bring about meaningful change and prevent similar tragedies in the future. The protests at Azad Maidan and the student marches underscore the urgency of addressing caste‑based discrimination and ensuring a safe learning environment for all students.
For now, the focus remains on the sit‑in protest at Azad Maidan, the ongoing hunger strike, and the legal proceedings that may shape the future of student welfare at IIT Bombay.
Key facts
- Sahil Wakode, 22, found dead in IIT Bombay hostel after alleged caste discrimination.
- Father Ravindra Wakode vows a sit‑in protest and hunger strike at Azad Maidan.
- IIT Bombay formed a 10‑member inquiry committee; faculty Prof. Doolla placed on leave.
- Students nationwide demanded a re‑constituted committee and transparent investigation.
- Mumbai Police Crime Branch investigating alleged abetment to suicide.
- Protests have drawn media attention and public support for justice.
Why it matters
The case underscores the urgent need to address caste‑based discrimination in academic settings and highlights the importance of transparent investigations into student welfare incidents.
Sources
- [1] newindianexpress.com — originally reported as “IIT-Bombay suicide case: Deceased Wakode's father to protest at Azad Maidan from Monday”
