23 September,2026 01:06 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondent
Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) chief Raj Thackeray. File Pic
Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) chief Raj Thackeray on Wednesday questioned the focus on caste allegations following the death by suicide of 20-year-old IIT Bombay student Sahil Wakode, saying attention should instead be directed towards the pressures faced by students and flaws in the education system.
In a post on X, Thackeray said the IIT Bombay administration had initially alleged that Wakode used a mobile phone and ChatGPT during an examination, but later acknowledged that it was inappropriate to make the allegation public before the investigation was completed and apologised.
Wakode's family has alleged that he faced caste-based harassment, while the institute and faculty members have presented their versions of the events. A case has been registered and the circumstances surrounding the student's death are being investigated by the Mumbai Crime Branch.
Thackeray said that if a student is found engaging in malpractice during an examination, professors have a duty to act according to institutional rules. However, he said it was inappropriate to declare Wakode guilty before the allegations were established.
He also said that allegations of caste-based harassment should not be treated as proof of wrongdoing against professors before the investigation is completed.
"Why a 20-year-old boy may have felt, after a particular incident, that all avenues in his life had come to an end" should also be examined, Thackeray said, arguing that the focus should not be limited to the caste angle.
Thackeray further claimed that caste divisions have become increasingly prominent in Maharashtra and said the issue had now reached institutions such as IITs. Referring to Jawaharlal Nehru's description of IITs as the "temples of modern India", he said it was unfortunate that the caste aspect was being brought to the forefront following Wakode's death.
The MNS chief also raised concerns about academic and career-related pressure on students. He said competitive examinations, limited seats, academic demands and pressure surrounding campus placements were contributing to stress among students across disciplines.
"Fundamentally, whether it is IIT or any competitive examination before that, these systems are becoming life-threatening," Thackeray said, adding that the issue should prompt questions about the education system and the need for structural reforms.
He said the issue was not about which government was in power, but about changes he believes are required in India's education system after decades of increasing commercialisation.
Thackeray also appealed to students to keep their protests focused on systemic issues, including student welfare, counselling and grievance redressal, rather than allowing caste and religion to divert attention from their demands.
Students at IIT Bombay have demanded reforms including an independent investigation, improved grievance-redressal mechanisms and round-the-clock access to psychiatric support. The students have also sought changes to disciplinary procedures and other measures aimed at improving student welfare.
Thackeray urged students not to allow divisions based on caste or religion to emerge on campus.
"Sahil Wakode's death is tragic," he said, adding that addressing flaws in the education system would be a "true tribute" to Wakode and other students who have died after being unable to cope with pressure.
"A heartfelt tribute to Sahil Wakode from the Maharashtra Navnirman Sena," Raj Thackeray said.
