The parents of IIT Bombay student Sahil Wakode are protesting to demand the arrest of two professors following their son's death on September 18. This case highlights ongoing concerns regarding caste discrimination and the pace of institutional investigations in India.
What happened at the protest
On October 16, 2026, various student organizations and activist groups gathered at Azad Maidan to demand justice.
The protest included members of the All India Independent Scheduled Castes Association and the All India Students’ Federation.
This demonstration marked the 15th day of the family's ongoing agitation.
Ravindra Wakode, the father of the deceased student, stated his intention to continue protesting until action is taken.
The family also planned to hold a tribute for Sahil outside the IIT Bombay campus on October 18, 2026, pending police permission.
The protesters specifically demanded action against Suryanarayana Doolla, a Professor of Energy Science and Engineering, and Shireesh B. Kedare, the Director of IIT Bombay.
They are calling for a transparent investigation and stronger safeguards against caste-based discrimination.
Why it matters for students
This situation brings significant attention to the treatment of students from marginalized communities within elite educational institutions.
Supporters argue that these deaths represent a loss of dignity and the shattering of dreams for entire communities, rather than just individual tragedies.
- Families seeking accountability for student deaths.
- Students advocating for stronger caste-discrimination safeguards.
- Activists calling for the implementation of a Rohith Vemula Act.
- Communities concerned about the fairness of internal academic inquiries.
- Organizations demanding an end to systemic delays in investigations.
Advocates have drawn parallels between this case and the deaths of other students like Rohith Vemula, Payal Tadvi, and Aniket Ambhore.
They argue that the movement will not remain silent until justice is delivered and institutional changes are made.
How we got here
Sahil Wakode died on September 18.
An FIR was subsequently registered at the Powai police station under Section 108 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, which relates to the abetment of suicide, and Sections 3(1)(r) and 3(1)(s) of the SC/ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act.
Legal representatives for the family have expressed frustration over the delay in arrests.
They argue that the accused should have been taken into custody for interrogation to prevent potential evidence tampering or witness influence.
Advocate Siddharth Ingle noted that Section 108 is a non-bailable offence carrying a punishment of up to 10 years.
He alleged that despite the severity of the charges, the investigation has been slow, with one professor only being called to record a statement nearly 20 days after the incident.
What happens next
Authorities are currently managing the investigation, though the family has reported receiving no satisfactory explanations for the delays from the Crime Branch.
Future developments may include the following steps:
- Police may proceed with custodial interrogation of the accused professors.
- Authorities could provide updates on the status of the internal institute inquiry.
- The family may continue their public demonstrations to maintain pressure on officials.
- Legal proceedings may advance based on the evidence gathered by the Crime Branch.
As the family continues their indefinite hunger strike, the movement is actively seeking support from the Chief Minister to demonstrate sensitivity toward their demands.
They emphasize that they do not wish to create problems for the government but only seek a fair investigation.
Key facts at a glance
- The FIR includes charges under the SC/ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act.
- Section 108 of the BNS carries a maximum punishment of 10 years.
- Protesters are demanding the arrest of two specific IIT Bombay faculty members.
- The family has been protesting at Azad Maidan for 15 days.
- Previous protests near the campus resulted in the detention of several individuals.
Supporters remain firm in their resolve to continue the movement.
They emphasize that the struggle for justice is not just for an individual, but for the safety and dignity of all students across the country.
Read the news report this explainer is based on: Sahil Wakode death: Parents demand arrest of IIT Bombay professors as student groups protest at Azad Maidan.
Source: Ebenezer News Explainer Desk · Ebenezer News Explainer Desk. Published 19 Oct 2026, 01:40 am.
