24 September,2026 06:35 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondent
The parents of the deceased student had subsequently planned to return to Mumbai and begin their hunger strike at IIT Bombay. Pic/Ashish Raje
Ravindra and Sonali Wakode, the parents of IIT Bombay student who was found dead last week were taken to south Mumbai to meet the SC/ST Commission while they were on their way to launch a hunger strike to seek justice for their deceased son.
According to their lawyer, the parents of the student were allegedly stopped by the police in Bhandup on Friday afternoon while they were on their way to IIT Bombay in Powai to begin a hunger strike.
Both were later taken to Sahyadri Bungalow in Walkeshwar for a meeting with the SC/ST Commission, their lawyer stated.
They had allegedly been stalled for nearly 30 minutes before being taken to the bungalow.
The Ravindra and Sonali Wakode had announced a hunger strike on Tuesday night at the main gate of IIT Bombay. However, the following day, they were allegedly escorted back to Yavatmal, due to which they could not resume the planned protest.
The parents had subsequently planned to return to Mumbai and begin their hunger strike at IIT Bombay.
The deceased student's parents have alleged that their son had told them about caste-based slurs and discrimination. They have demanded the arrest of those named in the case, including faculty member.
The allegations have not been established and are being examined as part of the ongoing investigation.
The Mumbai Police's response to the allegations was awaited.
The student's death has led to protests and demands for an investigation into the circumstances surrounding his death, with allegations of caste discrimination also being raised.
The allegations remain subject to investigation.
A second-year BTech student, was found dead in his hostel room on the IIT Bombay campus on the evening of September 18.
His death occurred hours after he was allegedly found using a mobile phone during a mid-semester examination.
The circumstances surrounding the examination incident and events that followed are being examined by the Crime Branch.
Meanwhile, the faculty member who has been named in the FIR alleging abetment to suicide and caste discrimination, has been sent on leave to facilitate an impartial probe, sources said
