Archive · 23 Sep 2026
IIT Bombay Student Death Sparks Caste Harassment, Due Process Debate
Sahil Wakode was a student at IIT Bombay who died.
His family says he faced harassment because of his caste.
They want authorities to act against the people named in their complaint.
An FIR has been filed against Professor Suryanarayana Doolla under the SC/ST Act and laws related to encouraging suicide.
IIT Bombay says Sahil did not make a complaint to its SC-ST cell or administration.
Faculty groups support Professor Doolla and say the process should be fair.
The case has created a debate about protecting people from caste discrimination and preventing misuse of the law.
Investigators are still examining what happened.
Sahil Wakode’s family alleges caste-based harassment and has demanded action against those named in its complaint.
Professor Suryanarayana Doolla faces an FIR under the SC/ST Act and provisions related to abetment of suicide.
IIT Bombay says Wakode did not submit a complaint to its SC-ST cell or administration.
Faculty bodies have backed Professor Doolla and called for due process.
The investigation is ongoing amid debate over caste protections, alleged legal misuse and accountability.
- Who
- Sahil Wakode, his family, Professor Suryanarayana Doolla, IIT Bombay and faculty bodies are involved.
- What
- An FIR was registered against Professor Doolla under the SC/ST Act and provisions related to abetment of suicide after Wakode’s death.
- When
- The investigation is underway following Wakode’s death; no specific date is provided.
- Where
- IIT Bombay.
- Why
- Wakode’s family alleges caste-based harassment and seeks accountability, while IIT Bombay and faculty bodies have raised or supported claims emphasizing the absence of an institutional complaint and the need for due process.
Family’s Allegations And Accountability Demands
Due Process And Misuse Concerns
What happened to Sahil Wakode
Family’s Allegations And Accountability Demands
Wakode’s family alleges that he faced caste-based harassment and seeks action against those named in its complaint.
Due Process And Misuse Concerns
IIT Bombay says Wakode did not submit a complaint to its SC-ST cell or administration, leaving the claims to be examined through the investigation.
FIR against Professor Doolla
Family’s Allegations And Accountability Demands
The FIR and the SC/ST Act are viewed by the family’s position as necessary steps toward accountability for alleged caste harassment.
Due Process And Misuse Concerns
Faculty bodies have backed Professor Doolla and called for due process while the allegations are investigated.
Use of legal protections
Family’s Allegations And Accountability Demands
Supporters of the family’s case emphasize the need to protect vulnerable communities from caste discrimination.
Due Process And Misuse Concerns
The debate includes concerns that the SC/ST Act could be misused, alongside demands for a thorough and fair investigation.
- Student
- Sahil Wakode
- Professor named in FIR
- Suryanarayana Doolla
- Legal provisions
- The SC/ST Act and provisions related to abetment of suicide
- Family’s allegation
- Caste-based harassment
- IIT Bombay’s position
- No complaint was submitted by Wakode to the institute’s SC-ST cell or administration
- Faculty position
- Support for Professor Doolla and a call for due process
- Investigation status
- Underway