IIT Bombay Protests Continue Over Sahil Wakode’s Death As Panel Report Expected Within A Week

Protests persisted outside IIT Bombay on Wednesday, following the passing of second-year student Sahil Wakode. The university limited campus access for non-students. A panel established by IIT Bombay is anticipated to release its report within a week. Youth Congress activists and Vanchit Bahujan Aghadi members chanted slogans outside the campus, while a small group of IIT Bombay students maintained a sit-in inside.

Student representatives demanded that Prof Doolla be dismissed until the report is published. The institute has released a revised mid-semester exam timetable, which began on September 25. At a "Justice for Sahil" demonstration, VBA leader Sujaat Ambedkar described Wakode's death as "institutional murder." ABVP called for a comprehensive investigation and stated that punitive action should be taken against those found responsible post-inquiry. Wakode's parents were to start a fast on Wednesday but suspended it without providing a reason.

Entry restrictions to the Powai campus included food deliveries; students had to walk to the main gate to collect their orders. Inside the institution, students presented an 18-point charter demanding an impartial inquiry, grievance redressal, and mental health services. The inquiry committee, chaired by Prof Ramesh Venkateswaran, comprises faculty members, students, an administrator, a former vigilance officer, and a psychiatrist.

Faculty representatives include Prof K Narayanan, Prof Sandip Kumar Saha, and Prof Deepti Kalsi. Three students—Aditya Joshi, Dev Arora, and Devi Lal—were also part of the committee.

Professor Suryanarayana Doolla was placed on a week-long leave and removed from his administrative position as Dean of Administrative Affairs. Students persisted in seeking further measures. The Wakode family alleged caste-based harassment, and the Mumbai Police crime branch is investigating the case, including events surrounding an exam prior to his death.