Full Breakdown
IIT Bombay student Sahil Wakode’s death triggers protests, investigations and calls for reform
By Drooid · · How we work
Core Event
On September 18, 2026, Sahil Wakode, a second-year BTech student from the Scheduled Caste community, was found hanging in his hostel room at IIT Bombay. Hours earlier he had been caught allegedly using a mobile phone to access ChatGPT during a mid-semester exam.
Background & Context
IIT Bombay’s academic-misconduct rules require an invigilator to confiscate prohibited material, issue a fresh answer sheet and file a report. In July 2026 the institute revised its penalty regime, allowing an immediate “fail” and semester-long suspension for possession of an unauthorised device, even without proof of use.
The Wakode family filed a First-Information Report under the SC/ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, alleging caste-based harassment and abetment to suicide. (The Hindu, NDTV)
Timeline
- Sept 18, 2026 – Sahil Wakode found dead.
- Sept 19, 2026 – Case transferred to Mumbai Crime Branch.
- Sept 21, 2026 – IIT Bombay apologised for earlier statements.
- Sept 24, 2026 – Parents staged a sit-in at Azad Maidan.
- Sept 25, 2026 – Crime Branch recorded statements of 20 persons.
- Sept 26, 2026 – Police stopped parents from entering campus; hunger strike announced for Sept 28.
- Sept 28, 2026 – Parents began hunger strike at Azad Maidan.
Data & Statistics
- A 10-member inquiry committee (board of governors) was formed.
- Crime Branch has recorded statements from 20 individuals—students, faculty and hostel staff.
- A 2022 IIT Bombay SC/ST Students’ Cell survey found ? 25 % of respondents reported being asked their surname and > 33 % reported caste-related questioning.
Official Statements & Responses
- Professor Suryanarayana Doolla was placed on leave pending the probe.
- Union Minister of State for Social Justice and Empowerment Ramdas Athawale visited the campus and urged a thorough investigation.
- NCSC chairperson Kishor Makwana conducted a spot inquiry, directing preservation of CCTV and electronic evidence. (ANI)
On-the-Ground Reports
- Students organised a candlelight march from the Justice Corner to Hostel 4, demanding reconstitution of the probe panel and resignation of Director Shireesh Kedare.
- Parents reported being detained by police while attempting to reach the campus for a hunger strike; they later resumed the strike at Azad Maidan.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
- IIT Bombay’s initial statement said the student was assured the incident would not affect his academic record, whereas the family alleges he was threatened with suspension under the new penalty regime. The institute has not released the invigilator’s report or the D-ADAC referral required by its own procedures.
- Media-released CCTV shows a student leaving the exam hall, but the individual’s identity has not been independently verified.
Verbatim Quotes
- “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,” — Ravindra Wakode, father
- “We demand the arrest of prof Doolla. We are not questioning the investigation,” — Ravindra Wakode
- “This is not the first such incident at IIT. We want accountability,” — Varsha Gaikwad
What’s Next
- The inquiry committee has asked for a one-week extension, approved by the board of governors.
- The Wakode family has demanded a CBI probe and the arrest of Professor Doolla; the NCSC will monitor the Crime Branch investigation and expects an action-taken report. (ANI)