Archive · 21 Sep 2026
IIT Bombay Student’s Death Spurs Protests, Investigation, Caste-Bullying Claims
Sahil Wakode was a second-year student at IIT Bombay.
He reportedly died by suicide on the campus on September 18.
A friend said Sahil usually seemed happy and did not appear troubled.
The friend also said Sahil had been taken out of an exam after allegedly being caught cheating.
Sahil’s parents said he may have faced bullying because of his caste.
Some students protested and demanded that the institute’s director resign.
Police reportedly detained some protesters because the demonstration did not have permission.
The Mumbai Crime Branch is now investigating the case.
Sahil Wakode, a second-year IIT Bombay student, reportedly died by suicide on campus on September 18.
A friend said Wakode appeared happy and showed no unusual behavior before his death.
The friend said Wakode had reportedly been caught cheating during an examination and taken out by Professor Suryanarayana Doolla.
Wakode’s parents alleged that he faced caste-based bullying, while the friend said any such conduct should prompt action.
The case was transferred to the Mumbai Crime Branch, while protesting students were reportedly detained and sought the director’s resignation.
- Who
- Sahil Wakode, a second-year IIT Bombay student; his friend, parents, protesting students, institute officials, Mumbai Police, and the Mumbai Crime Branch.
- What
- Wakode reportedly died by suicide, prompting protests, allegations of caste-based bullying, and a Crime Branch investigation.
- When
- Wakode’s death was reported on September 18; the friend spoke to The Free Press Journal on Monday.
- Where
- IIT Bombay’s Powai campus in Mumbai.
- Why
- Students protested over Wakode’s death and demanded institutional accountability, including the resignation of the IIT Bombay director; his parents also alleged caste-based bullying.
Bullying and Accountability Concerns
Friend’s Account and Administrative Response
Possible caste-based bullying
Bullying and Accountability Concerns
Wakode’s parents alleged that he faced bullying based on his caste and called for accountability.
Friend’s Account and Administrative Response
The friend said he had not noticed unusual behavior and did not personally describe caste-based bullying, while adding that action should be taken if the parents’ allegation is established.
Handling by IIT Bombay
Bullying and Accountability Concerns
Protesting students demanded institutional accountability and reportedly sought the IIT Bombay director’s resignation.
Friend’s Account and Administrative Response
Wakode’s friend said the administration was handling the matter appropriately, listening to those concerned and taking action.
Circumstances before the death
Bullying and Accountability Concerns
The reported examination incident was described by the friend as potentially serious, though he said he did not know what happened afterward.
Friend’s Account and Administrative Response
The friend said Wakode generally appeared happy, and that he could not understand why Wakode would take such a step.
- Student
- Sahil Wakode
- Institute
- IIT Bombay
- Department
- Energy Science and Engineering
- Reported death date
- September 18
- Investigation
- Transferred to the Mumbai Crime Branch
- Protest demand
- Students reportedly sought the resignation of the IIT Bombay director
- Protest response
- Several students were reportedly detained by Mumbai Police