IIT Bombay Student Sahil Wakode’s Father Begins Sit-In at Azad Maidan, Seeks Justice

The father of IIT Bombay student Sahil Wakode, who allegedly died by suicide 10 days ago, began a sit-in protest at Azad Maidan in south Mumbai on Monday, demanding justice and action against those responsible for his son’s death.

Ravindra Wakode has said he will continue the protest until his son gets justice and those responsible are punished. The family has alleged that Sahil faced caste discrimination at the premier institute.

Sahil, 22, a second-year student, was found hanging in his hostel room on the evening of September 18, hours after he was allegedly caught using his mobile phone to access ChatGPT during a mid-semester examination.

The Mumbai Police Crime Branch is investigating an alleged abetment to suicide case in connection with the death.

Ravindra had on Sunday said he was prepared to face arrest but would continue his fight for justice. He also said his son should get justice through constitutional means.

Earlier, Sahil’s family had staged a hunger strike at Azad Maidan on Thursday. The family subsequently announced that Ravindra and his wife Sonali would begin a sit-in protest at the venue from Monday.

Meanwhile, IIT Bombay had constituted a 10-member committee to inquire into the circumstances surrounding Sahil’s death. Prof Suryanarayana Doolla, a faculty member named in the police FIR alleging caste discrimination and abetment to suicide, has been sent on leave to facilitate an impartial probe.

IIT Bombay students held a candlelight march on Friday, demanding reconstitution of the inquiry committee. They alleged that some members of the existing panel had expressed support for Doolla.

A section of students continued their peaceful sit-in on campus on Sunday at a protest site named “Justice Corner”, where discussions on the case have been held since Saturday.

Students’ unions from other premier institutes have also extended support to the Wakode family and called for a transparent investigation and action against those responsible.