A candle march in Bandra demands justice for IIT student Sahil Wakode

Ravindra Wakode, father of late IIT Bombay student Sahil Wakode, holds a photo of his son on hunger strike along with family members and supporters demanding justice and action against the accused at Azad Maidan in Mumbai, October 27, 2026. | Photo credit: PTI

Several student organisations, social groups and residents gathered in Bandra East on Sunday (November 1, 2026) evening to hold a candlelight vigil and a vigil demanding justice for Sahil Wakode, who was found dead in his hostel room on September 18.

The march was organized by the Front of National Minorities; it started at Kushinara Buddhavihar and culminated in the garden of Dr. BR Ambedkar, Opposite Collector’s Office, Bandra East. The participants paid tribute to Wakode and expressed solidarity with his parents who are on hunger strike at Azad Maidan demanding justice for their son.

Ward 93 corporator Rohini Kamble condemned the circumstances surrounding Wakode’s death and expressed concern over the family’s ongoing fight for justice.

Also read | Sahil Wakode death case: 20-25 detained in Chaityabhoomi during candlelight vigil

“What happened to Sahil Wakode is really condemnable. His parents are still on hunger strike at Azad Maidan but they have not got justice. These children are our future and if such incidents continue, our future itself is at risk,” Ms Kamble said.

Qaid Zoher, leader of the All India Students’ Association (AISA), claimed that students demanding justice for Wakode are facing hostility from a section of the IIT Bombay student community as well as the institute’s administration.

Mr Zoher claimed that some students celebrated the removal of the memorial space called “Justice for Sahil” and there were insensitive comments on social media platforms including X and Reddit. He further claimed that the students who subsequently established a second memorial space, “Justice Corner 2”, did not receive their seized laptops, room keys and other personal items.

“Students inside IIT who are fighting for justice for Sahil have not been given their seized laptops, room keys or things which are basic things needed for their education. They are facing opposition from the administration as well as other students,” said Mr. Zoher.

Indrajeet Mohite, founder and chairman of the National Minorities Front, said the march received support from youth groups, students’ unions and social organizations in Bandra and Khar. He called on residents to attend future demonstrations and lend support to the Wakode family.

Wakode, a second-year BTech student at IIT Bombay, was found dead in his hostel room on September 18. His parents, Ravindra and Sonali Wakode, alleged that he faced caste discrimination and harassment at the institute. The Mumbai Crime Branch is investigating the case.

The family’s legal battle also intensified. His parents approached the Bombay High Court seeking an independent probe by the CBI or a special investigation team, preservation of CCTV footage and protection of witnesses.

Those in distress may contact Sanjivini, Mental Health Society’s Suicide Prevention Line: 011-40769002.

Published – 02 Nov 2026 09:12 IST