The parents of Sahil Wakode, a student at IIT Bombay, began a hunger strike in Mumbai on Thursday, calling for accountability from individuals they believe are responsible for their son’s suicide. Sahil Wakode, who was 22 years old and in his second year of a BTech programme, was discovered hanging in his hostel room on the evening of September 18. This tragic event has sparked claims of caste discrimination within the prestigious institution.

Ravindra and Sonali Wakode commenced their protest at Azad Maidan after meeting with the chairman of the National Commission for Scheduled Castes in Mumbai. During their meeting, they submitted a memorandum urging for a rapid investigation into the circumstances surrounding their son’s death. Ravindra Wakode stated that his son had confided in them about persistent caste discrimination at the institute, demanding that those responsible be held accountable.

Examinations Postponed Amid Allegations

As the controversy surrounding Sahil’s death escalated, IIT Bombay announced the postponement of its mid-semester examinations, originally scheduled for September 26 and 27, to October 10 and 11. An apology was issued by the institute concerning a previous statement that had been made about the incident, which allegedly indicated that Sahil had died by suicide shortly after being accused of using ChatGPT during an exam.

In a statement shared on X, the institute reiterated their regret over the earlier communications and acknowledged that the details leading to Sahil’s demise were still under investigation by relevant authorities. They noted that discussing specifics before a thorough inquiry was inappropriate, emphasising the importance of a fair investigative process.

The Mumbai Police Crime Branch is currently examining the case. A faculty member, Suryanarayan Doolla, named in a First Information Report (FIR) for alleged abetment to suicide on the basis of caste discrimination, has been placed on leave during the ongoing investigation.

Political Reactions and Public Support

The incident has drawn considerable political attention, with Congress leader Rahul Gandhi reaching out to Sahil’s parents, assuring them of support in their quest for justice. Outside the IIT Bombay campus, Congress MP Varsha Gaikwad and other party activists gathered to express solidarity with the Wakode family. However, police intervention led to the detention of several protestors, including Gaikwad herself.

Uday Bhanu Chib, the president of the Youth Congress, called for the immediate arrest of the IIT Bombay director and another professor, while Gaikwad described Sahil’s death as “institutional murder”, demanding a comprehensive investigation into the circumstances surrounding the case. She highlighted ongoing issues faced by students, particularly those belonging to specific castes or religions, asserting that these challenges are systemic within the institution.

In the wake of allegations and protests, some news outlets have aired CCTV footage from the examination hall. This footage reportedly shows Sahil’s activities prior to being approached by a professor. Additionally, a 2024 email allegedly sent by Professor Doolla circulated online, warning students against discussing their admission categories or academic performance in a manner that could reveal caste affiliations. The ongoing discussion has intensified scrutiny of IIT Bombay’s handling of caste-related matters and student welfare.

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