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Sahil Wakode’s Parents Begin Hunger Strike, Demand IIT Bombay Justice
Sahil Wakode was a 22-year-old student at IIT Bombay who died in September.
His parents say he faced repeated caste discrimination and want those responsible to be punished.
They started a hunger strike in Mumbai to demand justice.
They also asked the National Commission for Scheduled Castes to investigate quickly.
Police are investigating Sahil’s death.
IIT Bombay said it was wrong to describe unproven details about ChatGPT use before the investigation was complete.
The institute apologised but denied the allegations of caste discrimination and harassment.
A professor named in a police complaint has been sent on leave.
Congress leaders also protested and called for a broader investigation.
Sahil Wakode’s parents began a hunger strike at Mumbai’s Azad Maidan, demanding action over alleged caste discrimination.
The parents submitted a memorandum to the National Commission for Scheduled Castes seeking a speedy investigation.
IIT Bombay apologised for earlier statements linking Sahil’s death to alleged ChatGPT use during an examination.
A faculty member named in an abetment-to-suicide FIR has been sent on leave during the investigation.
Congress leaders and activists protested outside IIT Bombay, while the institute disputed allegations of caste discrimination and harassment.
- Who
- Sahil Wakode’s parents, IIT Bombay, Mumbai Police, the National Commission for Scheduled Castes, and Congress leaders are involved.
- What
- Sahil’s parents launched a hunger strike and demanded action over alleged caste discrimination and his death.
- Where
- The hunger strike is taking place at Azad Maidan in Mumbai, while protests were held outside IIT Bombay’s Powai campus.
- When
- The hunger strike and protests began on Thursday; Sahil was found dead on September 18.
- Why
- The family seeks justice and an investigation into allegations that Sahil was tormented and discriminated against because of his caste.
Family and Supporters’ Claims
Institute’s Position
Caste discrimination allegations
Family and Supporters’ Claims
Sahil’s parents and Congress leaders allege that he faced repeated caste-based humiliation and harassment at IIT Bombay.
Institute’s Position
IIT Bombay disputes the allegations of caste discrimination and harassment.
Statements about the examination
Family and Supporters’ Claims
The family and supporters have questioned the circumstances preceding Sahil’s death, including the alleged ChatGPT incident.
Institute’s Position
IIT Bombay apologised for describing those circumstances before they were established, saying they remain under investigation.
Characterisation of the death
Family and Supporters’ Claims
Varsha Gaikwad described the death as an “institutional murder” and demanded accountability.
Institute’s Position
The institute has not accepted that characterisation, and the authorities’ investigation is ongoing.
Key facts
- Student
- Sahil Wakode, 22, was a second-year BTech student at IIT Bombay.
- Location of hunger strike
- Azad Maidan, Mumbai.
- Date of death
- Sahil was found hanging in his hostel room on September 18.
- Investigating agency
- The Mumbai Police Crime Branch is investigating the death.
- Institutional apology
- IIT Bombay apologised for earlier statements about alleged ChatGPT use during an examination.
- Faculty action
- Suryanarayan Doolla was sent on leave after being named in an FIR alleging abetment to suicide on caste discrimination grounds.
- Political response
- Congress MP Varsha Gaikwad and party activists protested outside IIT Bombay and sought a comprehensive probe.
Quotes
Ravindra Wakode
Father of Sahil Wakode, who is seeking justice and an investigation into his son’s death
“Sharing the earlier post of 21st Sept 2026 again: We apologise for the statements contained in our earlier communication concerning the circumstances surrounding the unfortunate demise of Sahil.”
rediff.com
“Those who tortured my son should be put behind bars. He had told us that he repeatedly faced caste discrimination at the institute.”
rediff.com
Sources
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