Parents of 22-year-old IIT Bombay student Sahil Wakode, Ravindra and Sonali Wakode, began a hunger strike at Mumbai’s Azad Maidan on September 24, demanding the arrest of those named in the FIR over their son’s death and a CBI probe into the case.
The couple had wanted to protest outside IIT Bombay but were detained by Mumbai Police while travelling towards the Powai campus and later directed to Azad Maidan, where permission had been granted for the protest.
The parents allege that Sahil faced caste-based discrimination and harassment at the institute and have demanded preservation of CCTV and electronic evidence. Sahil died on September 18, hours after he was allegedly found using a mobile phone during a mid-semester examination.
The Mumbai Crime Branch, which is investigating the case, has recorded statements from around 20 people, while the National Commission for Scheduled Castes (NCSC) has sought a detailed investigation report. Police have urged people not to draw premature conclusions as the investigation continues.
Parents Demand Action
Ravindra and Sonali Wakode’s hunger strike came amid growing pressure for answers over their son’s death. The couple reached Azad Maidan after meeting NCSC chairperson Kishor Makwana and submitting a memorandum seeking a speedy investigation.
Ravindra demanded the arrest of Professor Suryanarayana Doolla, who is named as an accused in the FIR, saying his son had previously told the family that he faced caste-based discrimination at IIT Bombay. The family has also sought a CBI investigation and the preservation of CCTV footage and other electronic evidence. Their allegations are part of the ongoing investigation and have not been established as facts.
The protest followed an earlier standoff over its location. The parents had sought to hold the demonstration outside IIT Bombay’s main gate, but police asked them to move to Azad Maidan.
Their lawyer Nikhil Kamble alleged that the couple was detained in Bhandup while travelling towards the campus. Police, however, said they were trying to persuade the family to hold the protest at the designated venue. The parents subsequently proceeded to Azad Maidan, where they began their hunger strike.
Probe Into Sahil’s Death
Sahil, a second-year BTech student in IIT Bombay’s Energy Science and Engineering department, died on September 18, hours after an incident during a mid-semester examination. Reports say he was allegedly found using a mobile phone during the exam and was asked to leave the examination hall.
CCTV footage from the examination has since become a key part of the investigation, with the Crime Branch examining Sahil’s movements and interactions in the period leading up to his death.
The Mumbai Crime Branch has now taken over the investigation and is examining multiple aspects of the case, including witness statements, CCTV recordings and digital evidence. According to the latest reports, statements from around 20 people, including students, teachers and hostel staff, have been recorded. Professor Doolla’s statement had not yet been recorded as of September 25.
Mumbai Police has said that all possible angles are being examined and urged people to refrain from speculation, misinformation and premature conclusions.
The NCSC has also stepped into the matter. After meeting Sahil’s parents, Makwana visited IIT Bombay and sought a detailed Action Taken/Investigation Report from the authorities. The commission’s involvement comes as the family’s allegations of caste discrimination remain a central part of the dispute surrounding the student’s death.
Hunger Strike Paused
The parents’ hunger strike at Azad Maidan was brief. According to a late-night report by The Times of India, the couple ended the protest on September 24 but said they could resume it if Professor Doolla was not arrested. Their lawyer said they planned to approach the Mumbai Crime Branch on September 25 to seek an update on the investigation.
The case has meanwhile triggered wider protests and debate on IIT Bombay’s handling of student welfare, caste discrimination and academic pressure. Families of students who died by suicide at the institute in previous years have also joined protests, calling for greater transparency and institutional accountability.
IIT Bombay has apologised over its earlier communication concerning Sahil’s death, while the institute’s Faculty Forum has expressed support for Professor Doolla. These differing positions underline why establishing the sequence of events through evidence and due process remains crucial.
The Logical Indian’s Perspective
Sahil Wakode’s death has raised painful questions for his family, fellow students and the wider academic community. For his parents, the demand is for accountability and answers; for the authorities, the immediate responsibility is to establish the facts through a fair and transparent investigation.
Allegations of caste discrimination, harassment or institutional failure must be taken seriously, while those accused must also be given due process. In cases involving the death of a young student, public debate should not become a substitute for evidence.
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