Comedian Masoom Rajwani Detained During Candlelight Vigil for Deceased IIT Bombay Student Sahil Wakode

Mumbai's entertainment circuit is abuzz with the news of stand-up comedian Masoom Rajwani being detained by Mumbai Police on Sunday, October 25, 2026. Rajwani was participating in a peaceful candlelight vigil held at Chaityabhoomi in Dadar, organised in memory of Sahil Wakode, a 20-year-old IIT Bombay student who died by suicide last month. IIT Bombay Hostel Fire: 5 Injured, Including 2 Children, After Gas Leak From Cylinder Pipe in Powai.

The incident has sparked widespread debate, especially after Rajwani shared a video on social media, alleging police brutality and questioning the legality of the detentions.

Sahil Wakode's Death and Masoom Rajwani's Detention

Sahil Wakode, a 20-year-old second-year BTech student at IIT Bombay, was tragically found dead in his hostel room on September 18, 2026. His death occurred hours after he was reportedly caught using a mobile phone during a mid-semester examination. While the initial reports focused on the examination incident, Wakode's parents and several student groups have vehemently alleged that caste-based harassment and discrimination were the primary factors leading to his suicide. They have specifically named Professor Suryanarayana Doolla in their allegations.

The candlelight vigil on Sunday, October 25, was organised to demand justice for Sahil Wakode and accountability from the IIT Bombay administration. Stand-up comedian Masoom Rajwani was among the participants who gathered at Chaityabhoomi, a site of immense historical and cultural significance for the Dalit community, as it is the cremation ground of Dr BR Ambedkar.

Mumbai Police Detain Masoom Rajwani at IIT Bombay Student Sahil Wakodes Vigil

Mumbai Police intervened, detaining Rajwani and approximately 20 to 25 other individuals. Police officials stated that the gathering lacked the necessary permissions and that the detentions were made as a precautionary measure to maintain law and order. Following his detention, Rajwani posted a video on his official Instagram account, where he is heard repeatedly asking police personnel, "Maine kiya kya hai?" (What have I done?). He also accused the Mumbai Police of using excessive force against protesters, claiming that eight women and two minor boys were among those detained.

20-25 Detained at Chaityabhoomi

The detention at Chaityabhoomi was part of a larger police action on Sunday. Simultaneously, around 120 individuals participating in an unauthorised 'Adivasi Gen Z' protest were detained at Shivaji Park. In total, approximately 140 people were taken into preventive custody across both locations in Dadar. The detained individuals from the Chaityabhoomi vigil, including Masoom Rajwani, were later released from Tardeo, Worli, and Dadar police stations at night. IIT Bombay Student Death: Crime Branch Questions Professor Suryanarayana Doolla for 10 Hours in Sahil Wakode Case.

This incident follows earlier detentions on October 18, when Sahil Wakode's parents and students were also taken into custody while protesting outside IIT Bombay, exactly one month after his death. The repeated police interventions against protesters demanding justice for Sahil Wakode continue to draw criticism and raise questions about the right to peaceful assembly.

Suicide Prevention and Mental Health Helpline Numbers:

Tele Manas (Ministry of Health) – 14416 or 1800 891 4416; NIMHANS – + 91 80 26995000 /5100 /5200 /5300 /5400; Peak Mind – 080-456 87786; Vandrevala Foundation – 9999 666 555; Arpita Suicide Prevention Helpline – 080-23655557; iCALL – 022-25521111 and 9152987821; COOJ Mental Health Foundation (COOJ) – 0832-2252525.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Oct 26, 2026 04:40 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).