Archive · 3 Oct 2026
Wakode’s Father Denied Azad Maidan Protest, Plans IIT Bombay Visit
Ravindra Wakode is the father of Sahil, a student at IIT Bombay.
Sahil was found dead in his hostel room on September 18.
His parents say he faced caste-based discrimination and are asking for justice.
They have demanded the arrest of a professor and the institute’s director.
Police did not allow Ravindra to continue his protest at Azad Maidan, his lawyer said, so he planned to visit the campus.
Other IIT Bombay students also began a hunger strike to ask the institute to take responsibility.
Police are investigating and have questioned the professor.
They have also spoken to about 40 people and sent Sahil’s electronic devices for testing.
Police denied Ravindra Wakode permission to continue protesting at Mumbai’s Azad Maidan, his lawyer said.
Wakode planned to visit IIT Bombay’s Powai campus; students there also began a hunger strike over Sahil’s death.
Sahil Wakode, 22, was found hanging in his hostel room on September 18, after allegedly being caught with a phone during an exam.
His parents allege he faced caste-based discrimination and have sought justice, including the arrest of Professor Suryanarayana Doolla and institute director Shireesh Kedare.
Police registered an FIR against Doolla; investigators questioned him for nearly 10 hours, recorded about 40 statements and sent Sahil’s electronic devices for forensic examination.
- Who
- Ravindra Wakode, father of IIT Bombay student Sahil Wakode; IIT Bombay students are also protesting.
- What
- Police denied Ravindra permission to continue his Azad Maidan protest, and he planned to visit IIT Bombay’s Powai campus.
- When
- The denial and planned visit were reported on Saturday, October 3; the report says students began their hunger strike on Friday.
- Where
- Azad Maidan and IIT Bombay’s Powai campus in Mumbai.
- Why
- The Wakode family and protesting students are seeking accountability and justice over Sahil’s death; his parents allege caste-based discrimination.
Family and protesters
Institute and officials
Accountability over Sahil’s death
Family and protesters
Sahil’s parents allege caste-based discrimination and seek justice, including the arrest of Professor Doolla and director Shireesh Kedare. Students are also demanding accountability from the institute administration.
Institute and officials
The articles report no response or position from IIT Bombay, Doolla or Kedare on these demands.
- Student
- Sahil Wakode, 22, a second-year BTech student at IIT Bombay
- Date found dead
- September 18
- Family’s allegations
- His parents allege caste-based discrimination at the institute.
- Family’s demands
- The Wakode couple sought justice and demanded the arrest of Professor Suryanarayana Doolla and IIT Bombay director Shireesh Kedare.
- FIR
- Powai police registered an FIR against Doolla after Ravindra Wakode lodged a complaint; one report specifies alleged abetment to suicide and provisions of the SC/ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act.
- Investigation
- The crime branch questioned Doolla for nearly 10 hours and recorded statements from around 40 people.
- Forensic examination
- Sahil’s electronic devices were sent for forensic examination.
