Death of Sahil Wakode: Parents continue hunger strike for third day, demand arrest

The parents of deceased student Sahil Wakode are demanding the arrest of Professor Doolla, accused of abetting suicide, and the director of IIT Bombay Kedare. | Photo credit: Emmanual Yogini

Parents of IIT-Bombay student Sahil Wakode continued their hunger strike at Azad Maidan for the third consecutive day on Wednesday (September 30, 2026), demanding the arrest of Professor Suryanarayan Doolla and IIT-Bombay Director Shireesh Kedare in connection with their son’s death.

Several Mumbai Youth Congress and All India Students Federation (AISF) workers joined Ravindra and Sonali Wakode at the protest site on Wednesday (September 30, 2026). The protesters held photographs of Sahil and raised slogans demanding justice for him.

Ravindra Wakode declined to speak to the media on Wednesday (September 30, 2026). However, the family’s lawyer said they have yet to receive any response from the government regarding their demands. The family insisted they would continue their protest until action was taken.

Sahil, a second-year BTech student at IIT-Bombay, was found dead in his hostel room on September 18. His parents alleged that he faced caste discrimination and harassment at the institute. Professor Doolla was named in the FIR in connection with allegations of caste discrimination and inciting suicide. He was placed on leave during the investigation.

Meanwhile, the Mumbai police crime branch, which is investigating the case, has recorded the statements of about 40 people, including Sahil’s parents and classmates. Investigators are also conducting a forensic examination of four electronic devices as part of the investigation.

IIT-Bombay has separately formed a 10-member committee to probe the circumstances surrounding Sahil’s death. Part of the institute’s students questioned the composition of the commission and demanded an independent investigation.

Published – 30 Sep 2026 13:17 IST