Sahil Wakode death: Parents demand arrest of IIT Bombay professors as student groups protest at Azad Maidan

Several activist groups and student organisations, including the All India Independent Scheduled Castes Association (AIISCA) and All India Students’ Federation (AISF), protested at Azad Maidan on Friday (October 16, 2026), demanding the arrest of two IIT Bombay professors accused of harassing student Sahil Wakode before his death on September 18. As the family’s agitation entered its 15th day, Wakode’s father said he would continue protesting until action was taken.

The protesters demanded action against Suryanarayana Doolla, Professor of Energy Science and Engineering, and Professor Shireesh B. Kedare, Director of IIT Bombay, along with a transparent investigation and stronger safeguards against caste discrimination.

“My only request is that they arrest those responsible as soon as possible and give my Sahil justice,” said Ravindra Wakode, Sahil’s father. Asked whether he would continue protesting until arrests were made, he replied, “Yes, the protest will continue.”

Ravindra said the family would gather outside IIT Bombay at noon on Sunday (October 18, 2026), to pay tribute to Sahil, marking one month since his death. An application seeking police permission has been submitted, but approval is awaited.

Siddharth Ingle, advocate representing the family, questioned the delay in arrests despite an FIR registered at Powai police station under Section 108 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), pertaining to abetment of suicide, and Sections 3(1)(r) and 3(1)(s) of the SC/ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act.

“Section 108 carries a punishment of up to 10 years and is a non-bailable offence. The Crime Branch should have taken Doolla and Kedare into custody, interrogated them and proceeded with the investigation. Instead, Doolla was called to record his statement nearly 20 days after the incident,” Ingle alleged.

“We are asking the police to explain why arrests have not been made. They have not provided us with any reasons and continue to say that the investigation is underway,” he added.