Stories
IIT Bombay Students Launch Hunger Strike Demanding Independent Probe into Sahil Wakode's Death
- •IIT Bombay students have announced a hunger strike, escalating their 14-day protest over the death of 20-year-old student Sahil Wakode, demanding accountability from the institute.
- •Students are calling for the resignation of Director Shireesh Kedare and the suspension of Professor Suryanarayana Doolla until the criminal investigation concludes.
- •Sahil's parents are also on a hunger strike at Azad Maidan, alleging caste-based harassment and pressure led to their son's death, and demanding arrests.
- •The Mumbai Crime Branch is investigating an abetment-to-suicide case against Professor Doolla, with two other accused unidentified; the probe is ongoing.
- •Students demand an independent external panel for investigation, reforms in campus committees, and protection for protesting students, citing institutional failures and lack of official response.
Key Questions Answered
Students at IIT Bombay initiated a 14-day protest and hunger strike following the death of 20-year-old second-year BTech student Sahil Wakode. Wakode was found dead in his hostel room on September 18, 2026, hours after an incident during a mid-semester examination where he was allegedly reprimanded for exam misconduct. His family and protesting students have alleged caste-based harassment and institutional failure, demanding accountability and an independent probe.
The protesting students and Sahil's parents are demanding the resignation of Director Shireesh Kedare, the suspension and arrest of Professor Suryanarayana Doolla, and an independent external investigation panel free of current IIT employees. Additional demands include sweeping reforms to the SC/ST Cell, Student Welfare Committee, and Disciplinary Action Committee, alongside improved campus mental health support and safety measures.
The criminal investigation into Sahil Wakode's death is being handled by the Mumbai Crime Branch, with police registering an abetment-to-suicide case and invoking provisions of the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act against Professor Suryanarayana Doolla. Additionally, the National Commission for Scheduled Castes (NCSC) conducted a spot inquiry at the campus, examining CCTV footage, electronic records, and examination protocols.
