Archive · 21 Sep 2026
IIT Bombay Signs Charter Amid Protests Over Student Death
Students at IIT Bombay protested after Sahil Wakode died by suicide on September 18.
They said they were worried about how he was treated after an exam incident involving a mobile phone and alleged use of an AI platform.
The students asked for an independent investigation and action against Professor Suryanarayana Doolla.
IIT Bombay removed Doolla from his dean position, but students still want him suspended as a professor.
The institute says no disciplinary action had been started against Wakode and that he had been counselled.
Students also want better counselling, emergency medical care and mental-health training for staff.
They asked for more student involvement in important institute decisions and protection from punishment for peaceful protesters.
The director signed a document containing 18 demands, but the institute said the demands would still go through its decision-making process.
Director Shireesh Kedare signed an 18-point charter after students protested for three days following Sahil Wakode’s death by suicide.
Students want Professor Suryanarayana Doolla suspended as faculty, while IIT Bombay has removed him as dean but has not confirmed his suspension.
The charter seeks an independent inquiry into Wakode’s death, the hospital response and alleged institutional failures, with reports due by September 30 and October 15.
Students are demanding expanded counselling, 24-hour psychiatric support, faculty mental-health training and greater student representation in committees.
Mumbai Police registered an abetment-of-suicide case and invoked the SC/ST Prevention of Atrocities Act after Wakode’s family alleged caste-based harassment.
- Who
- IIT Bombay students, Director Professor Shireesh Kedare, Professor Suryanarayana Doolla, Sahil Wakode’s family, IIT Bombay’s Faculty Forum and Mumbai police authorities.
- What
- Students submitted an 18-point charter seeking an independent inquiry, possible accountability and extensive student-welfare reforms after Wakode’s death.
- When
- The charter was signed late Sunday after three days of protests; Wakode died on September 18.
- Where
- The protests and meeting took place at the Indian Institute of Technology Bombay in Mumbai.
- Why
- Students protested over Wakode’s death, the handling of an examination incident, alleged treatment by institute personnel, mental-health support and institutional accountability.
Student Protesters and Wakode’s Family
IIT Bombay and Faculty Representatives
Action against Professor Doolla
Student Protesters and Wakode’s Family
Students want Doolla immediately suspended as a professor and want action against anyone found responsible after an investigation.
IIT Bombay and Faculty Representatives
IIT Bombay said the matter would follow due process, while the Faculty Forum said Doolla was performing approved invigilation duties and had reported alleged malpractice through the prescribed procedure.
Handling of Wakode’s case
Student Protesters and Wakode’s Family
Students seek an independent investigation into the examination incident, Wakode’s death, the hospital response and statements they describe as defamatory or selective.
IIT Bombay and Faculty Representatives
IIT Bombay said no disciplinary action had been initiated against Wakode, that he was counselled and that the incident would not harm his academic career.
Caste-discrimination allegation
Student Protesters and Wakode’s Family
Wakode’s family alleged caste-based harassment in its police complaint.
IIT Bombay and Faculty Representatives
IIT Bombay denied the allegation and said Wakode had not submitted a complaint to its SC/ST cell or administration.
Meaning of the signed charter
Student Protesters and Wakode’s Family
Students regarded the signed document as a commitment to address their 18 demands, including suspension, reforms and protest protection.
IIT Bombay and Faculty Representatives
The institute indicated that the demands would be discussed through the Board of Governors and other procedures, so signing did not necessarily mean immediate acceptance of every demand.
- Charter
- An 18-point set of student demands signed by IIT Bombay Director Shireesh Kedare.
- Student
- Sahil Wakode, a second-year Energy Science and Engineering student.
- Professor’s status
- Suryanarayana Doolla was removed as Dean of Administrative Affairs but remained a professor; students seek his suspension.
- Inquiry deadlines
- Students sought an interim report by September 30 and final or public conclusions by October 15.
- Mental-health measures
- The demands include one counsellor per 250 students, hostel counsellors and a 24-hour psychiatrist on call.
- Protester protection
- Students want written assurances against disciplinary, financial, legal, hostel-related or indirect action for peaceful protest.
- Police case
- Mumbai Police registered an abetment-of-suicide case and invoked the SC/ST Prevention of Atrocities Act following a complaint by Wakode’s parents.
