IIT-Bombay student death case: Parents say they were not allowed to enter campus; announce protest at Azad Maidan

Parents of IIT Bombay student Sahil Wakode said on Saturday (September 26, 2026) that police stopped them from entering the campus in Powai. They said they would protest at Mumbai’s Azad Maidan starting Monday (September 28, 2026) and appealed to the students for support.

The 20-year-old Dalit student allegedly died by suicide on September 18 after leaving the examination hall midway. The B.Tech student’s death has sparked protests and his parents have alleged caste discrimination against him.

“We tried coming to the institute twice or thrice. We were not allowed inside by the police. We are going to sit for a protest at Azad Maidan from Monday. They are spreading misunderstanding among you all (students) that we are not doing anything. But the truth has to come out. You support us. Don’t stop the protest. Don’t trust anyone else. I will keep fighting till I get justice for my son. If it means that I die, so be it. If you have any evidence about Sahil, please keep it safe. It will be helpful in the inquiry, in court. That is my request to you,” Ravindra Wakode said in a video message released on Saturday (September 26, 2026). His wife was seen sitting next to him.

Meanwhile, the protesting students organised a discussion at the main gate of the institute on ‘the sensitivity of student-teacher relationships and why students feel unheard’. They said that the protest would continue.

The students also accused the IIT Bombay administration of failing to engage meaningfully with them. They claimed that the internal committee established by the institute consisted of members “who have cases against them in the SC/ST cell, and publicly endorsed solidarity for Prof. Doolla in the Open House held on September 21.”

Satyanarayana Doolla, a professor at IIT Bombay, has been named in a FIR registered for caste discrimination and abetment of suicide. He has since been suspended from the position of Dean of Administrative Affairs.

Students under pressure

The students claimed that they were facing pressure for protesting.

“The students have resisted immense pressure being put on them – from the bullying they are subjected to in WhatsApp groups and social media by the right wing, threats to their career, and targeted social media campaigns,” a statement issued by them said.

(Assistance for overcoming suicidal thoughts is available on the State’s health helpline 104, Tele-MANAS 14416. and Sneha’s suicide prevention helpline 044-24640050).

Published - September 26, 2026 09:44 pm IST

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