IIT Bombay protesters detained over Sahil Wakode death investigation

Mumbai Police detained Ambedkarite leaders and civil society representatives on Wednesday who gathered outside IIT Bombay. The protesters, organized under the ‘Chalo IIT Bombay’ call, were demanding accountability and an impartial investigation into the death of Sahil Wakode, a 22-year-old second-year BTech student.

The demonstration was held in solidarity with Wakode’s parents, who have been on a hunger strike for nearly two weeks. Among those detained were members of the All India Independent Scheduled Castes Association (AIISCA), including Rahul Sonpimple, Deepali Salve, and Sambhaji Bhagat. Authorities implemented heavy police deployment and entry restrictions at the campus, preventing the delegation from meeting with the institute’s administration.

Wakode was found dead in his hostel room on September 18. While a police official noted that Wakode had previously submitted a statement regarding an examination incident, his parents have alleged caste discrimination. An FIR has been registered against a professor in an abetment-to-suicide case, though the professor has denied all allegations of harassment. The Mumbai Crime Branch has recorded statements from over 40 people as part of its ongoing investigation.