17 October,2026 07:59 AM IST | Mumbai | Aditi Alurkar
Sahil Wakode’s parents Sonali Wakode (in yellow) and Ravindra Wakode (in checkered shirt) at Azad Maidan on Day 15 of hunger strike. Pics/Ashish Raje
Ravindra and Sonali Wakode, the parents of the student who allegedly died by suicide, are to visit Indian Institute of Technology Bombay (IIT-B) on Sunday (October 18) to pay respect to their son a month after his demise. Sahil Wakode, a BTech IIT Bombay student was allegedly caught using a mobile phone during an exam and was found dead in his hostel room hours later on September 18.
Sahil's parents have been on hunger strike for the past 15 days, demanding action regarding their son's death. On Friday, groups showing solidarity with Sahil's parents gathered at Azad Maidan to share speeches, folk songs, and literature in their protest against alleged caste discrimination.
"This hunger strike has taken a toll on us, but we must do it for our son. We are planning to visit IIT Bombay on Sunday morning to pay respects to our Sahil, one month after his demise," said Sahil's father Ravindra Wakode.
He alleged that his son was "harmed," and demanded justice for his only child.
"While they have been protesting at Azad Maidan for 15 days, the parents have been suffering for a long time," said the advocate.
"I used the word âharmed' because he told us he was troubled. We would repeatedly tell him that there will be opposers throughout life. I know that my son is not the kind to die by suicide. All the neighbours and relatives from our village can vouch for what a happy boy he was. He had no such history and was not on any such medicines," said the father.
When asked about copying allegations during the examination, the aggrieved father said, "We don't believe these allegations, and we don't know what happened," said Ravindra. When asked what Sahil was like, he held up a picture of his son smiling and said, "This is how he was."
The parents and their lawyer informed that they wish to meet with the head of the institute's Board of Governors to ensure that there is a fair investigation of the circumstances surrounding their son's death. The parents have further claimed that the IIT-B's investigative committee has not yet reached out to them. While protests continue to seek justice for Sahil, the parents' legal team has further plans under review. "In the days to come we may consider different types of legal aid, be it writ or approaching the high court," said Advocate Siddharth Ingale.
