IIT Bombay Student Sahil Wakode’s Parents Continue Hunger Strike as Political Support Grows

The parents of IIT Bombay student Sahil Wakode continued their hunger strike at Azad Maidan on Wednesday, with the protest entering its third day as political leaders and student organisations extended support to their demand for justice.

Ravindra and Sonali Wakode are demanding the arrest of IIT Bombay professor Suryanarayana Doolla and institute director Shireesh Kedare in connection with the death of their 22-year-old son. Doolla has been named in an FIR alleging abetment to suicide and caste discrimination. The allegations are being investigated and have not been independently established.

Sahil, a second-year student, was found hanging in his hostel room on September 18, hours after he was allegedly caught using his mobile phone to access ChatGPT during a mid-semester examination. Police have been examining CCTV footage, questioning students and faculty and investigating the events following the examination. The Crime Branch has also been examining Sahil’s phone and laptop as part of the probe.

The family has alleged that Sahil faced caste discrimination at the institute. Before beginning the hunger strike, his parents met the National Commission for Scheduled Castes chairman and submitted a memorandum seeking a speedy investigation. They have also sought police protection, saying they fear that influential people named in their allegations could affect the investigation. These claims remain part of the ongoing inquiry.

The protest has also attracted growing political support. Union Minister Ramdas Athawale spoke to the parents on Tuesday and assured them that efforts would be made to ensure justice. Congress leader Rahul Gandhi also spoke to the family through a video call and assured them of support.

Mumbai Congress chief Varsha Gaikwad and Congress and NSUI workers had earlier protested outside IIT Bombay, with several protesters, including Gaikwad, detained by police. On Wednesday, workers of the Mumbai Youth Congress and All India Students' Federation joined Sahil’s parents at Azad Maidan.

Meanwhile, IIT Bombay has constituted a 10-member internal committee to examine the circumstances surrounding Sahil’s death. Student protesters have demanded that the panel be replaced with an independent external committee and have raised concerns about the institute’s student welfare and grievance-redressal mechanisms.

The Wakode family has said it will continue the hunger strike until it receives action on its demands.