Why Are Students Protesting at IIT Bombay?

Protests at IIT Bombay following Sahil Wakode's death have raised questions about the examination incident, student welfare, caste-discrimination allegations and the institute's disciplinary system.

IIT Bombay Protests: What Happened to Sahil Wakode?

Protests began at IIT Bombay after the death of Sahil Wakode, a second-year BTech student, on September 18, 2026.

The incident happened after Sahil was reportedly questioned during an examination over use of a mobile phone. IIT Bombay said he had uploaded the question paper to ChatGPT. The institute said he was counselled by the instructor and Head of Department and that no disciplinary action had been started against him at that time. IIT Bombay later apologised for releasing details about the incident before the investigation was complete.

According to CCTV footage being examined by the Mumbai Crime Branch, Sahil was questioned inside the examination hall between around 12:30 pm and 12:45 pm after he appeared to be looking at something in his pocket. He was then taken aside before leaving the examination hall. Investigators are examining CCTV footage from the exam hall, campus and hostel to establish what happened afterward.

After Sahil's death, students began protesting on campus. They raised concerns about student welfare, disciplinary procedures, academic pressure and mental-health support. Students submitted an 18-point list of demands, including an independent investigation and changes to student-related committees and procedures. IIT Bombay's Director signed the charter, although this did not mean that every demand had been accepted.

Sahil's parents have also alleged that he faced caste-based discrimination and harassment on campus. They said Sahil had told them about casteist remarks and what he described as "torture." IIT Bombay has said Sahil had not made a complaint about caste discrimination to its SC-ST Cell or administration. These allegations are part of the ongoing investigation.

Based on the family's complaint, a police case was registered against Prof. Suryanarayana Doolla and others, including allegations of abetment of suicide and provisions of the SC/ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act. The investigation has since been transferred to the Mumbai Crime Branch.

IIT Bombay initially removed Prof. Doolla from his position as Dean of Administrative Affairs, while he continued as a professor. On September 23, the institute's Board of Governors asked him to go on leave and set up a 10-member committee to examine the circumstances surrounding Sahil's death. The committee has been asked to submit its report within a week.

The IIT Bombay Faculty Forum and faculty members from other IITs have called for a fair investigation and have expressed support for Doolla's handling of the examination incident. Students, meanwhile, have said their protests are not meant to support cheating or academic misconduct. They want the circumstances surrounding Sahil's death and the institute's systems to be investigated.

The protests have also received support from families of former IIT Bombay students who died by suicide, including the family of Darshan Solanki, who died in 2023 amid allegations of caste discrimination. They have raised concerns about student welfare and mental-health support.

There have also been reports about the IIT Bombay Director's resignation, but the institute has denied those reports.

The Mumbai Crime Branch is continuing to examine CCTV footage, digital evidence and the allegations made by Sahil's family. It has not yet been established whether the examination incident, alleged caste discrimination, or any individual's actions caused or contributed to Sahil's death.