Late student Wakode's father denied permission to continue protest at Azad Maidan, plans IIT-B visit

The development comes at a time when a group of IIT Bombay students intensified their ongoing agitation over Sahil's death by launching a hunger strike on October 2, 2026

Updated - October 03, 2026 02:43 pm IST - Mumbai

Ravindra Wakode, father of deceased IIT Bombay student Sahil Wakode, during the third day of his indefinite hunger strike demanding justice for his son, at Azad Maidan, in Mumbai, September 29, 2026. | Photo Credit: PTI

The father of IIT Bombay student Sahil Wakode, who allegedly died by suicide, was denied permission to continue his protest at Azad Maidan, prompting him to plan a visit to the Institute's Powai campus, his lawyer said on Saturday (October 3, 2026).

The development comes at a time when a group of IIT Bombay students intensified their ongoing agitation over Sahil's death by launching a hunger strike on Friday (October 2, 2026) to demand accountability from the Institute administration.

According to the family lawyer, the police did not permit Ravindra Wakode to stage a protest at Azad Maidan and he was planning to go to IIT Bombay.

The Wakode couple had launched a hunger strike last week seeking "justice" for their deceased son and demanding the arrest of Professor Suryanarayana Doolla and IIT-B director Shireesh Kedare.

Sahil Wakode, a 22-year-old second-year B.Tech student, was found hanging in his hostel room on September 18, hours after he was allegedly caught using a mobile phone during a mid-semester examination. His parents have alleged that he faced caste-based discrimination at the Institute.

An FIR was registered by the Powai police against Professor Doolla after Ravindra Wakode lodged a complaint.

On Thursday (October 1, 2026), the Crime Branch, which is probing the case, questioned Professor Doolla for nearly 10 hours and recorded his statement. Police have recorded statements of around 40 people, including Sahil's parents, fellow students and IIT hostel staff, while electronic devices belonging to the deceased student have been sent for forensic examination, according to reports.

Published - October 03, 2026 01:06 pm IST

suicide / protest / institution / Mumbai

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