Archive · 24 Sep 2026
Varsha Gaikwad, NSUI Activists Detained at IIT Bombay Protest
Congress MP Varsha Gaikwad and student activists protested outside IIT Bombay.
They wanted justice for Sahil Wakode’s family.
Wakode was a 22-year-old BTech student.
He was found hanging in his hostel room on September 18.
Earlier that day, he had allegedly used a phone to access ChatGPT during an exam.
His parents said he faced caste-based discrimination and harassment.
IIT Bombay disputed those allegations.
Police detained Gaikwad and other protesters.
Gaikwad called the death an “institutional murder” and demanded a proper investigation.
Police detained Congress MP Varsha Gaikwad, party workers and NSUI activists during a protest outside IIT Bombay.
The protest followed the alleged suicide of 22-year-old BTech student Sahil Wakode, who was found hanging in his hostel room on September 18.
Wakode was allegedly caught using a mobile phone to access ChatGPT during a mid-semester examination hours before his death.
Wakode’s parents alleged caste-based discrimination and harassment, while IIT Bombay disputed the charges.
Gaikwad called the death an “institutional murder,” demanded a thorough investigation and said Rahul Gandhi had assured the family of support.
- Who
- Congress MP Varsha Gaikwad, Congress workers, NSUI activists, Sahil Wakode’s family and police officials.
- What
- A protest outside IIT Bombay led to the detention of Gaikwad and several activists while protesters demanded accountability and an investigation into Wakode’s death.
- When
- The protest took place on Thursday, September 24; Wakode was found dead on September 18 evening.
- Where
- Outside the Powai campus of the Indian Institute of Technology Bombay in Mumbai.
- Why
- The protesters sought to support Wakode’s family and demand justice and an investigation into allegations of caste-based discrimination and harassment.
Protesters’ Allegations
Institute’s Position and Police Response
Caste discrimination claims
Protesters’ Allegations
Wakode’s parents alleged caste-based discrimination and harassment, while Gaikwad said students can face humiliation because of their caste or religion.
Institute’s Position and Police Response
IIT Bombay disputed the charges, and the reports do not include an independent finding establishing whether discrimination occurred.
Protest and public order
Protesters’ Allegations
Congress and NSUI members gathered to express solidarity with Wakode’s family and seek justice.
Institute’s Position and Police Response
Police detained protesters before or during the demonstration, took them to a local station for further legal action and deployed heavy security outside the institute.
- Student
- Sahil Wakode, 22, a second-year BTech student
- Institute
- Indian Institute of Technology Bombay
- Death
- Wakode was found hanging in his hostel room on September 18 evening
- Exam incident
- He was allegedly caught using a mobile phone to access ChatGPT during a mid-semester examination
- Family’s allegations
- His parents alleged caste-based discrimination and harassment
- Police action
- Gaikwad and dozens of activists were detained and taken to a local police station
- Investigation
- Gaikwad said the case was with the Crime Branch and demanded a proper investigation