07 October,2026 07:31 AM IST | Mumbai | Aishwarya Iyer
Representation pic/istock
A 72-year-old man staying at IIT Bombay's Van Vihar guest house in Powai has been booked for allegedly making a casteist remark referring to the Constitution and its architect, Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar. The alleged incident took place at the guest house reception on October 5, while the guest was commenting on student protests on campus.
Powai police registered an FIR against Shyam Kacholia, who was staying in Room 315, under Section 299 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) and Sections 3(1)(u) and 3(1)(v) of the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act.
A video shared on social media shows a man speaking to people in the guest house lobby. The Ambedkar Periyar Phule Study Circle (APPSC), IIT Bombay, shared the video on Instagram and X on October 6, alleging that the man staying in the campus guest house had used casteist language. APPSC condemned the remark and called for IIT Bombay to cooperate with authorities.
Deals with deliberate and malicious acts intended to outrage religious feelings by insulting religion or religious beliefs.
Covers speech or other acts that promote or attempt to promote enmity, hatred or ill-will against members of the Scheduled Castes or Scheduled Tribes.
Covers disrespect towards a deceased person held in high esteem by members of the Scheduled Castes or Scheduled Tribes.
The incident comes amid protests at IIT Bombay following the death of 20-year-old student Sahil Wakode on September 18. Wakode's family has alleged that he faced caste-based discrimination and harassment. Those allegations are being investigated.
The Mumbai Crime Branch is probing his death and has recorded statements from institute officials, including IIT Bombay director Shireesh Kedare and Professor Suryanarayana Doolla. Both have denied allegations of caste-based discrimination.
Powai police are investigating the complaint. Kacholia has been booked, but the allegations against him have not been established in court.
