Full Breakdown
Police Detain Protesters During Candlelight Vigil for Indian Institute of Technology (IIT)-Bombay Student Sahil Wakode
By Drooid · · How we work
Core Event – Detentions at Chaityabhoomi (October 25, 2026)
On the evening of October 25, 2026, Mumbai Police took about 20-25 people into custody at Chaityabhoomi in Dadar, including stand-up comedian Masoom Rajwani. The group had assembled for an unauthorised candlelight vigil demanding an impartial investigation into the death of IIT-Bombay student Sahil Wakode. Detainees were transferred to Tardeo, Worli and Dadar police stations and released around 8:30 p.m. – 9 p.m.
Background & Context – Wakode’s Death and Caste-Discrimination Allegations
Sahil Wakode, a second-year BTech student, was found hanging in his hostel on September 18. His parents and student organisations allege caste-based harassment by faculty, particularly Professor Suryanarayana Doolla, who was later removed from an administrative post and placed on leave. A police complaint invoked the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act and charges of abetment of suicide. IIT-Bombay has denied any caste-based discrimination and said no formal complaint had been lodged with its SC/ST Cell.
Data & Statistics
- Detentions at Chaityabhoomi: 20-25 (Police) vs. up to 140 total across two sites (including 120 at Shivaji Park).
- Police presence at Chaityabhoomi estimated at 60-70 officers (protester claim).
- Two rounds of detentions reported around 6 p.m. and 7 p.m.
- Over 40 statements recorded by the Mumbai Crime Branch.
- 84 organisations signed an open letter demanding IIT-Bombay director Prof Shireesh Kedare’s resignation.
Official Statements & Responses
Deputy Commissioner of Police Mahendra Pandit confirmed the gathering was unauthorised and that “approximately 20-25 protesters who gathered at Chaityabhoomi for an unauthorised candle march were taken to the police station.” He added that the release process was underway.
Professor Suryanarayana Doolla, named in the FIR, was removed from his administrative role and placed on leave; he has denied the allegations.
The institute’s Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes Cell reported that it had not received any formal complaint from Wakode prior to his death.
Criticism & Opposition
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
- Detention figures: Police cite 20-25 detainees at Chaityabhoomi, while some reports aggregate 140 detentions across Chaityabhoomi and Shivaji Park.
- Allegations of force: Protesters describe rough handling of women and lack of water or information during transport; police have not responded to these specific claims.
- Nature of the gathering: Authorities label the vigil unauthorised, whereas organisers assert they sought permission and acted peacefully.
- Evidence of misconduct: A medico-legal certificate obtained by a student cites “assault by Powai police,” yet police have not publicly addressed this document.
Verbatim Quotes
- “When students come together to mourn, remember, and demand justice, the response cannot be intimidation and detention,” — Mr. Parsekar, Citizens for Justice and Peace
- “Approximately 20-25 protesters who gathered at Chaityabhoomi for an unauthorised candle march were taken to the police station,” — Deputy Commissioner of Police
- “That the police chose to detain and pick up students who had come to this very place for a candlelight march in memory of Sahil, who faced caste discrimination, raises serious questions. When students come together to mourn, remember, and demand justice, the response cannot be intimidation and detention.” — Sahil Parsekar, Citizens for Justice and Peace