28 September,2026 06:16 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondent
IIT-Bombay student Sahil`s father, Ravindra Wakode, at Azad Maidan on Monday. Pic/ X
The father of IIT-Bombay student Sahil Wakode, who allegedly died by suicide 10 days ago, began a sit-in protest at Azad Maidan in south Mumbai on Monday, demanding action against those responsible for his son's death.
Ravindra Wakode said he would continue his protest until his son gets justice and those responsible are punished. Sahil's family has alleged that he faced caste discrimination at the premier institute.
A day earlier, Ravindra Wakode had said, "I do not care, even if I get arrested. My son should get justice constitutionally. This is the state of Chhatrapati Shivaji, Phule, Shahu and Ambedkar. I will start my sit-in protest at Azad Maidan. I will continue my fight for justice."
Advocate Nikhil Kamble, representing Sahil's family, said the family is observing a hunger strike at Azad Maidan, demanding the arrest of those named in the FIR.
Sahil Wakode, 22, a second-year student, was found dead in his hostel room on the evening of September 18, hours after he was allegedly caught using his mobile phone to access ChatGPT during a mid-semester examination.
The Mumbai Police Crime Branch is probing the alleged abetment to suicide case.
Last week, Sahil's family had staged a hunger strike at Azad Maidan and subsequently announced that Ravindra Wakode and his wife, Sonali, would begin their protest at the venue from Monday.
The IIT-Bombay board had earlier constituted a 10-member committee to inquire into the circumstances surrounding Sahil's death.
Prof Suryanarayana Doolla, a faculty member named in the police FIR alleging caste discrimination and abetment to suicide, has been sent on leave to facilitate an impartial probe.
IIT-Bombay students held a candlelight march last week, demanding the reconstitution of the inquiry committee.
They alleged that some members of the existing panel had expressed support for Doolla.
A section of students continued their peaceful sit-in protest on the campus on Sunday. The protest site, named "Justice Corner", has been hosting discussions on the case since Saturday.
Students' unions from other premier institutes have also extended support to the Wakode family and demanded a transparent investigation and action against those responsible for Sahil's death.
(With PTI inputs)
