Sahil Wakode Suicide Case: IIT Bombay Students Demand Reconstitution of Probe Panel
Students at the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Bombay staged a candlelight march on Friday night to mark one week since the tragic death of 22-year-old student Sahil Wakode. The protesting student body has called for the complete reconstitution of the internal committee investigating the circumstances of his death, alongside administrative accountability.
A week after the death of IIT Bombay student Sahil Wakode, students held a candlelight march on campus on Friday night and demanded that the institute reconstitute the committee investigating the circumstances surrounding his death. The students questioned the independence of the 10-member panel and sought greater representation of external members in the inquiry, TOI reported.
The march began near the Justice Corner at the institute’s main gate and continued to Hostel 4, where Wakode was found dead on September 18. Students said their demands were aimed at ensuring an independent and transparent investigation. Sahil Wakode Suicide Case: Mumbai Crime Branch Takes Over IIT Bombay Probe, SC/ST Act Invoked.
Students Seek Reconstitution of Panel
The protesting students have demanded that the existing 10-member inquiry committee be reconstituted without current IIT Bombay employees or students as members. They have also sought the inclusion of at least two among former Planning Commission member Bhalchandra Mungekar, journalist P Sainath, activist Ram Puniyani and academic Sukhadeo Thorat in the proposed panel.
The demand follows allegations by protesters that some members of the existing committee had expressed support for Professor Suryanarayana Doolla, who has been named in the police FIR in connection with allegations surrounding Wakode's death. IIT Bombay Student Suicide: CCTV Shows Sahil Wakode Being Asked To Leave Exam Hall.
Demand for Action Against Professor
Students have also demanded that Doolla be relieved of all responsibilities until the criminal investigation is completed. Doolla has already been sent on leave by IIT Bombay to facilitate an impartial inquiry. He has been named in the FIR registered in connection with allegations of caste discrimination and abetment to suicide. The allegations remain under investigation and have not been established in court.
What Happened to Sahil Wakode?
Wakode, a second-year BTech student at IIT Bombay, died on September 18. According to preliminary police information, he went directly to his hostel room after leaving a mid-semester examination.
The institute had earlier said that Wakode was allegedly found using an AI platform on his mobile phone during the examination. Police have since questioned students, invigilators and administrative officials as part of the investigation.
The Mumbai Crime Branch has recorded statements from 20 people so far and is attempting to access Wakode's locked mobile phone, according to officials cited by PTI.
Family Alleges Caste Discrimination
Wakode's parents have alleged that their son faced caste discrimination at the institute and have sought action against those they hold responsible for his death.
The National Commission for Scheduled Castes (NCSC) also conducted a spot inquiry at IIT Bombay on September 24. The commission said it examined the circumstances preceding Wakode's death and directed authorities to submit an Action Taken/Investigation Report.
The NCSC said it also met Wakode's parents and heard their allegations. The commission said it would monitor the investigation and take action within its jurisdiction based on facts and evidence that emerge.
IIT Bombay Reviewing Academic Misconduct Rules
Alongside the inquiry, IIT Bombay has begun reviewing its procedures for handling academic malpractice cases. A newly formed committee with equal faculty and student representation is working on revised protocols, including clearer procedures for invigilators and measures allowing students to speak with a mentor before disciplinary action is initiated.
The institute has also postponed the remaining mid-semester examinations to October 10 and 11 to allow time for the new committee to prepare revised procedures.
Probe and Protests Continue
The student protests have continued alongside the institutional and police investigations. Earlier, students submitted an 18-point charter of demands covering the investigation, student representation, grievance mechanisms, counselling and campus healthcare.
The latest candlelight march has added a specific demand for changes to the composition of the inquiry panel. The institute's internal committee, Mumbai Police Crime Branch and the NCSC are separately examining different aspects of the case.
The circumstances surrounding Wakode's death and the allegations raised by his family and fellow students remain subject to investigation. Further findings from the police and institutional inquiries are expected to determine the sequence of events and responsibility, if any.
(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Sep 26, 2026 06:00 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).
