IIT BOMBAY CAMPUS AGITATION DEEPENS AS STUDENTS DEMAND ACCOUNTABILITY OVER SAHIL WAKODE’S DEATH
October 2, 2026
Student protests at the Indian Institute of Technology Bombay intensified on Friday as a group of students began a hunger strike demanding an independent investigation into the death of second-year BTech student Sahil Wakode and greater accountability from the institute administration.
Wakode, 22, was found dead in his hostel room on September 18, hours after an incident during a mid-semester examination in which he was allegedly caught using a mobile phone. His death has since triggered protests by students and his parents, who have alleged that he faced caste-based discrimination at the institute. These allegations remain under investigation.
The protesting students marched towards the institute’s main gate and submitted an 18-point charter of demands. Among their principal demands are an independent and transparent inquiry into Wakode’s death, changes to the institute-appointed investigation committee, the resignation of IIT Bombay Director Shireesh Kedare and the suspension of Professor Suryanarayana Doolla, whom Wakode’s parents have accused of caste-based discrimination.
The students have been protesting for around 15 days, while Wakode’s parents have separately been observing a hunger strike at Mumbai’s Azad Maidan. The students intensified their action after the parents were reportedly denied permission to continue their protest at the site during weekends.
The Mumbai Police Crime Branch is investigating the circumstances surrounding Wakode’s death. His parents have also sought action against Professor Doolla, while the institute has said that further action will depend on the findings of the investigation. Doolla was earlier removed from his position as dean following the controversy.
The case has also raised questions about the institute’s procedures for dealing with alleged examination malpractice and the treatment of students during disciplinary proceedings. Students have demanded greater transparency in the handling of such cases and changes to the existing inquiry mechanism.
The continuing protests have widened the debate beyond the circumstances of one student’s death to questions of student welfare, institutional accountability, disciplinary procedures and representation of marginalised communities in premier educational institutions. With the criminal investigation and institutional inquiry still underway, the students have said they will continue their hunger strike until their demands are addressed.
