IIT Bombay faces protests following death of student Sahil Wakode

Protests are intensifying at the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Bombay following the death of Sahil Wakode, a 22-year-old BTech student found dead in his hostel room on September 18. Wakode’s parents have accused Professor Suryanarayana Doolla of subjecting their son to casteist abuse during a mid-semester exam where Wakode was allegedly caught using a phone.

While the institute’s director announced that Professor Doolla has been relieved of his duties as dean, the professor will remain on the faculty. This decision has drawn sharp criticism from activists and students. The All India Independent Scheduled Castes Association (AIISCA) has warned that the struggle will continue until those responsible are imprisoned, stating that if Doolla is not permanently expelled, they will protest on campus.

In Mumbai, Wakode’s parents have been conducting a hunger strike at Azad Maidan. Meanwhile, research scholars held a demonstration outside the institute’s main gate, displaying photographs of Dalit and Adivasi students who died by suicide on Indian campuses. Protesters reported that police detained and assaulted demonstrators during these gatherings. IIT Bombay has also updated its anti-discrimination guidelines, noting that inquiries regarding a classmate’s caste, admission category, or entrance exam rank are inappropriate.