Protests at the Indian Institute of Technology Bombay (IIT Bombay) have followed the death of 20-year-old BTech student Sahil Wakode, with students demanding an independent investigation, greater institutional accountability and changes to student welfare and disciplinary processes.
Wakode, a second-year BTech student in the Department of Energy Science and Engineering, died by suicide in his hostel room on September 18, 2026, hours after an incident during a mid-semester examination.
What Led to the IIT Bombay Protests?
According to the institute’s initial account, Wakode was allegedly found using a mobile phone during the examination and had used an AI platform in connection with the question paper. IIT Bombay later apologized for the wording of its earlier communication, saying that details surrounding the incident remained under investigation and should not have been characterized before being established by the appropriate authorities.
Students subsequently began protesting on campus and submitted a list of demands covering the investigation, academic disciplinary procedures, student representation and mental-health support.
The students have sought an independent inquiry into the circumstances surrounding Wakode’s death, along with reforms to the institute’s disciplinary and student-support systems. Their demands have also included greater student representation on academic and disciplinary committees and stronger mental-health measures.
Family Alleges Caste-Based Discrimination
Wakode’s parents have alleged that their son faced caste-based discrimination on campus. Based on a complaint filed by his father, Mumbai Police registered an FIR naming Professor Suryanarayana Doolla, along with unnamed persons, under provisions relating to abetment to suicide and the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act.
These are allegations made by the family and are currently part of an ongoing investigation. IIT Bombay has denied that caste-based discrimination occurred and said no complaint had been submitted by Wakode to its SC/ST Cell or administration.
Professor Doolla Removed as Dean
Professor Suryanarayana Doolla was the faculty member involved in the examination in which Wakode was allegedly found using a mobile phone.
On September 21, IIT Bombay announced that Doolla’s deanship as Dean of Administrative Affairs was suspended with immediate effect, with further action to follow the investigation. The move came after students included his removal among their demands.
Importantly, the action was against his administrative position, rather than an announcement that he had been suspended from his faculty position.
The IIT Bombay Faculty Forum has separately expressed support for Doolla and said he was carrying out his examination duties according to the institute’s approved procedure.
IIT Bombay Students Submit 18-Point Charter
After three days of protests, IIT Bombay’s administration agreed to the students’ 18-point charter, according to reports.
The demands included an independent investigation into Wakode’s death, reforms to the Disciplinary Action Committee process, stronger mental-health support, student representation, improved medical and counselling facilities and greater administrative accountability.
The students also sought an interim investigation report by September 30 and a final report by October 15.
Crime Branch Investigates the Case
The investigation into Wakode’s death has been transferred to the Mumbai Crime Branch.
Investigators have recorded statements from students, faculty members and hostel staff. Reports on September 25 said statements of around 20 people had been recorded, while the statement of Professor Doolla had not yet been recorded at that point.
Investigators were also examining CCTV footage and other evidence. Reports said Wakode’s phone had not yet been fully accessed because it was protected by a pattern lock.
The National Commission for Scheduled Castes (NCSC) also examined the case and directed authorities to conduct a fair, impartial and comprehensive investigation, including examination of relevant documentary, electronic, forensic and witness evidence.
Wakode’s Parents Continue Their Protest
Wakode’s parents, Ravindra and Sonali Wakode, have also been seeking action in the case.
The couple began a hunger strike at Azad Maidan in Mumbai and have demanded action against those named in the FIR. As of September 29, reports said the family claimed that members of IIT Bombay’s 10-member inquiry panel had not contacted them.
The parents have also demanded that the complete CCTV footage connected with the incident be made available as part of the investigation.
What Happens Next?
The IIT Bombay case remains under investigation, and several key allegations have not yet been conclusively established.
The police investigation, the institute’s internal inquiry and the concerns raised by students and Wakode’s family are expected to determine the circumstances surrounding his death and whether any wrongdoing occurred.
For now, the IIT Bombay protests have also brought wider attention to student mental health, academic disciplinary procedures, grievance mechanisms and institutional accountability at India’s premier educational institutions.
Further findings from the ongoing investigations will be important in establishing the facts of the case.
