Mumbai police have denied permission to Ravindra Wakode, father of Sahil Wakode, the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT Bombay) student who allegedly ended his life due to caste discrimination, to continue a protest at Azad Maidan. Following the denial of permission, Mr. Wakode planned to visit the Powai campus of the institute, sources said.

On Thursday (October 1, 2026), the Crime Branch questioned for 10 hours, and recorded the statement of Professor Suryanarayana Doolla, against whom a First Information Report has been lodged based on a complaint by Mr. Ravindra Wakode. Statements have also been recorded from 40 others, including Sahil Wakode’s parents, and hostel staff. The police are examining devices.

A group of students at IIT Bombay started a protest on October 2, 2026, demanding accountability from the administration. Earlier, the Wakode couple started their protest, seeking justice for their son. They demand the arrest of Mr. Doolla and Shireesh Kedare, Director, IIT Bombay.

Sahil Wakode, 22, was a second-year student of the B. Tech. programme at IIT Bombay. He was found dead in his hostel room on September 18, hours after he had been caught using a phone during an exam. His parents allege he faced discrimination on the basis of caste at the institute.

(Assistance for overcoming suicidal thoughts is available on the Tele-MANAS 14416 and Sneha’s suicide prevention helpline 044-24640050)