Members of the Mumbai Youth Congress and the Vanchit Bahujan Aghadi (VBA) Youth wing protested at the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Bombay on September 20, 2026, demanding justice for Sahil Wakode, a student who recently died by suicide. The demonstrators donned black ribbons around their foreheads as a symbol of their grief and a call for accountability. They insisted on the immediate arrest of the professor implicated in this tragic case.

The youth groups alleged a lack of administrative transparency and demanded an independent investigation by the Crime Branch into a series of student suicides at the institute over recent months. This assertion was made amid growing concerns regarding student welfare and mental health on campus, particularly in a high-pressure academic environment like IIT.

A spokesperson for the Youth Congress expressed frustration regarding the institute’s management of the situation, claiming that there had been a prior incident where peaceful protesters were detained by police. The protester described the experience, stating, “Two days ago, we attempted to hold a peaceful protest against the suicide, but the police did not allow it and detained us for several hours.” This raised concerns about freedom of expression and the treatment of students advocating for their peers.

Allegations Against IIT Bombay Administration

During the protest, dissent against the statements issued by the IIT Bombay administration grew. The protesters accused the institute of trying to protect the accused faculty member before a formal inquiry was completed. They specifically highlighted concerns regarding initial communications from the administration that suggested Sahil Wakode had allegedly misused technology in his academic activities.

“The public statement made by IIT Bombay on the first day suggested that Sahil was using ChatGPT to manipulate exam materials, and shortly thereafter, they called this part of an investigation. This only fuels our belief that the administration is attempting to exonerate the accused prematurely,” remarked a participant in the protest.

The criticism from the youth groups underscored a desire for a more thorough investigation, not only related to Sahil’s death but also concerning several other suicides reported on campus within recent months. They called for deeper accountability and clarity regarding the systemic issues affecting student wellbeing at the institution.

Continued Demands for Accountability

The VBA youth wing joined the protest, echoing calls for criminal responsibility in the case involving the professor. They rejected the administrative action taken to place the concerned faculty member on leave, advocating instead for a more serious response that includes an arrest. “We are demanding that the accused be arrested, not just placed on leave, as this is essential for justice for Sahil and his family,” asserted an activist.

Protesters indicated that they would maintain pressure on the authorities, threatening to escalate their actions until legal measures were initiated swiftly. They expressed their intent to continue rallying for a comprehensive investigation into the mental health challenges faced by students at IIT Bombay.

The tragic death of 20-year-old BTech student Sahil Wakode on September 18, 2023, has highlighted urgent issues surrounding student mental health and institutional response at premier educational facilities in India. An ongoing investigation by police and the Crime Branch aims to explore the circumstances leading to this incident while the student community makes its voices heard for essential reforms.

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