Justice for Sahil: IIT Bombay Parents' Hunger Strike Intensifies in Mumbai
Justice for Sahil: IIT Bombay Parents' Hunger Strike Intensifies in Mumbai
Parents of IIT Bombay student Sahil Wakode continue their hunger strike in Mumbai, demanding justice and accountability for his tragic death. Allegations of caste discrimination persist.
The parents of Sahil Wakode, an IIT Bombay student, continued their hunger strike in Mumbai for a second day on Tuesday, September 29, 2026, demanding justice for their son's death. Ravindra and Sonali Wakode, originally from Maharashtra's Yavatmal, sat at Azad Maidan in south Mumbai, holding a photograph of Sahil with a clear message: 'Justice for Sahil'.
Their lawyer stated that no government representative has approached them since the protest began.
Sahil Wakode, a 22-year-old second-year student, was tragically found dead in his hostel room on the evening of September 18.
This occurred just hours after he was reportedly caught using his mobile phone to access ChatGPT during a mid-semester examination at the prestigious Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Bombay.
His parents firmly allege that their son was a victim of caste discrimination at the institute, a claim that has sparked widespread concern and protest.
The grieving parents are calling for the immediate arrest of Professor Suryanarayana Doolla, who has been booked for abetment to suicide, and IIT Bombay Director Shireesh Kedare. Mr. Ravindra Wakode, Sahil's father, reiterated on Monday, September 28, 2026, that the hunger strike would not cease 'Until Doolla and Kedare are arrested'. He confirmed adherence to police guidelines for the protest.
In response to the tragic incident, IIT Bombay has formed a 10-member committee to investigate the circumstances surrounding Sahil's death. Professor Doolla, a faculty member named in the police FIR for alleged caste discrimination and abetment to suicide, has been sent on leave to ensure an impartial probe.
The Crime Branch is actively investigating, examining CCTV footage and other evidence to reconstruct the events of September 18. Police have also questioned students, faculty, and administrative staff. Officials had previously indicated that Sahil, before his death, had expressed regret about the alleged copying incident during a phone conversation with a friend.
Students on campus have also voiced their concerns, protesting and demanding changes to the inquiry process, as well as improvements in student welfare and grievance redressal mechanisms.
Mumbai Congress president Varsha Gaikwad has met with Mr.
Ravindra Wakode at Azad Maidan, offering her support to the family in their quest for justice.
The family's steadfast resolve highlights the urgent need for transparency and accountability in this deeply troubling case.
