15 October,2026 08:17 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondent
The deceased student`s parents have accused a professor of harassment and caste-based discrimination. PIC/BY SPECIAL ARRANGEMENT
The parents of late Sahil Wakode, a 22-year-old IIT-Bombay student who died by suicide on September 18, met Joint Commissioner of Police (Crime) Anil Kumbhare on Thursday to enquire about the progress of the investigation into their son's death.
Mumbai Congress chief and MP Varsha Gaikwad, along with MLAs Amin Patel and Aslam Shaikh, accompanied the parents and raised concerns about the investigation. The Congress leaders demanded the immediate arrest of Professor Suryanarayana Doolla, who has been named in connection with the case.
During the meeting, Wakode's parents sought information from the Mumbai Crime Branch about developments in the investigation and reiterated their demand for a fair, transparent and speedy probe to secure justice for their son.
The meeting comes amid continuing protests at IIT-Bombay over student welfare and the circumstances surrounding Wakode's death. His parents have accused Professor Doolla of harassment and caste-based discrimination. Earlier this month, police questioned the professor for nearly 10 hours in connection with the alleged suicide.
Meanwhile, IIT-Bombay has issued anti-discrimination guidelines advising students, faculty members and staff against asking students about their birth or admission category, JEE (Advanced) ranks, GATE scores or other information that could reveal caste-related details and potentially lead to conscious or subconscious bias.
The guidelines, issued on Tuesday, aim to foster inclusivity on campus and encourage students to bond irrespective of caste, religion or socio-economic background.
According to the communication issued by the Office of the Dean of Student Affairs, even questions asked out of curiosity can have a negative impact and may be perceived as discriminatory.
The institute has also prohibited the exchange or forwarding of messages, including jokes, that are abusive, hateful, casteist, sexist or exhibit bigotry based on religion or sexual orientation, and could be construed as harassment or bullying.
"This includes all forms of communication, whether on WhatsApp, Facebook, email, or in person. Violations can lead to severe punishment," the email stated.
IIT-Bombay has encouraged students to build bonds over common interests such as academic departments, sports, music, movies, hometowns and hobbies.
The guidelines follow protests after Wakode was found dead in his hostel room on September 18, reportedly after allegedly being caught cheating during a mid-semester examination. His death triggered student demonstrations demanding greater accountability and dialogue with the institute administration on student welfare.
Wakode's parents have also continued their hunger strike at Azad Maidan, demanding action and accountability from the institute administration.
(With PTI inputs)
