Mumbai Police detained Ravindra Wakode on Thursday in Bhandup as he was en route to IIT Bombay’s Powai campus to initiate a hunger strike. The act was in response to the September 18 suicide of his son, Sahil Wakode, a second-year BTech student in the Department of Energy Science and Engineering. His father had announced the protest to demand justice and transparency following allegations of harassment and caste-based discrimination.
A crowd of Youth Congress and NSUI activists also gathered outside the campus, pressing for a fast-track probe into Sahil’s death. Several NSUI–Congress members were detained, and security tightens around the institute.
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## CCTV Footage and Police Findings
Preliminary insights from the Mumbai Police Crime Branch reveal that CCTV cameras monitored Sahil’s actions in an examination hall between 12:30 pm and 12:45 pm on September 18. With just under 15 minutes left in the exam, Sahil was observed bending down to inspect something inside his pocket. A professor then questioned him and took him aside, away from other students.
According to law enforcement, Sahil returned to his hostel room at approximately 1:25 pm after leaving the examination hall. He did not exit the room again before his death. Investigators continue exploring that interval.
Crime Branch operations are currently led by an assistant commissioner of police under the supervision of the Deputy Commissioner of Police for Detection-I. Authorities urge the public to avoid speculation and premature judgments regarding the case.
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## Institutional Response at IIT Bombay
In response to Sahil Wakode’s death, IIT Bombay has assembled a 10-member committee to probe the circumstances surrounding the examination incident. As part of the measure, Professor Suryanarayan Doolla has been relieved of all administrative duties and placed on leave during the inquiry.
Allegations made by Sahil’s family include harassment and caste-based discrimination, especially concerning the examination hall interaction. IIT authorities say all related events are under investigation.
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## Voices of Support and Opposition
Professors and alumni have rallied in defense of Professor Doolla. Sharad Kumar Saraf, former chairman of IIT Bombay’s Board of Governors, affirmed Doolla’s integrity, calling him “one of the most upright professors that we have.” He also disputed family claims that caste was explicitly raised during the examination interaction. Saraf emphasized that Sahil’s family introduced caste-related concerns after the student’s death.
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## What We Know So Far: Key Details
– Sahil Wakode died by suicide on September 18.
– CCTV footage captured his conduct during the exam from 12:30 pm to 12:45 pm on that day.
– After being questioned by the professor, Sahil returned to his hostel room and remained there till his passing.
– Allegations of harassment and caste discrimination have been raised by Sahil’s family; IIT Bombay insists these claims are under examination.
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## Ongoing Unfolding Events
– The probe led by the newly formed committee is active, although no findings have been released yet.
– IIT Bombay relieved Professor Doolla of administrative duties and sent him on leave.
– Police have maintained a firm stance urging against speculation in public, while investigations are overseen at the highest levels of the city’s Crime Branch.
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## Why This Matters
This case highlights deep-rooted challenges in higher education in India, especially around allegations of caste discrimination and student welfare. The circumstances in examination halls, hostels, and campus administration are increasingly under scrutiny as students and families demand accountability.
For IIT Bombay—the country’s premier engineering institute—the unfolding investigation and public response could influence campus policies significantly. The administration’s management of the case will be closely watched by alumni, student bodies, and rights advocates alike.
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