Mumbai Police on Wednesday, October 14, detained Ambedkarite leaders and civil society representatives who gathered outside IIT Bombay under the call of ‘Chalo IIT Bombay’, demanding accountability over the death of second-year BTech student Sahil Wakode and an impartial investigation into allegations of caste discrimination. Among those detained were Rahul Sonpimple, Deepali Salve and Sambhaji Bhagat. The protest was organised in solidarity with Sahil’s parents, who have been on hunger strike for nearly two weeks, demanding answers from the institute and a fair investigation into their son’s death.
Mumbai Police have spread themselves across IIT Bombay, hours ahead of a “March to IIT” call given by Ambedkarite leaders from AIISCA and other orgs who’ve been striking in support of Sahil Wakode’s parents. Two weeks since they’ve been on a hunger strike, @frontline_india https://t.co/SNyNpkjshl
— Greeshma Kuthar (@jeegujja) October 14, 2026
According to The Federal, police detained protesters demonstrating outside IIT Bombay following the call by Sahil’s father, Ravindra Wakode. IANS also reported the detention of demonstrators supporting the family. The police response was striking: a heavy deployment across the campus, restrictions on entry and the detention of people seeking to present their demands to the administration. Instead of facilitating a meeting with the delegation, the authorities prevented the protesters from proceeding.
#WATCH | Police detained protesters demonstrating outside #IITBombay over the death of second-year BTech student Sahil Wakode. The protest followed a call by his father, Ravindra Wakode, under the slogan ‘Chalo IIT Bombay.’ https://t.co/so5K3m4toG
— The Federal (@TheFederal_News) October 14, 2026
Mumbai, Maharashtra: Several organisations staged a protest outside IIT Bombay in support of student Sahil Wakode. Mumbai Police detained protesters demonstrating in support of the student https://t.co/1tIYTpjsff
— IANS (@ians_india) October 14, 2026
The question is unavoidable: if the administration has nothing to hide, why was a delegation seeking a hearing met with police restrictions and detention rather than an opportunity to be heard?
Police refuse entry, even as family seeks answers
Posts put across X by Greeshma Kuthar, an independent journalist, showed that police personnel had spread across IIT Bombay ahead of the march and were refusing entry to the campus. When asked why Sahil’s parents themselves were not being allowed in, a police officer reportedly responded, “Why will they come here?”
Mumbai Police have spread themselves across IIT Bombay, hours ahead of a “March to IIT” call given by Ambedkarite leaders from AIISCA and other orgs who’ve been striking in support of Sahil Wakode’s parents. Two weeks since they’ve been on a hunger strike, @frontline_india https://t.co/SNyNpkjshl
— Greeshma Kuthar (@jeegujja) October 14, 2026
The reported exchange is particularly disturbing given that Sahil’s parents have been undertaking a hunger strike since the past two weeks to demand accountability following their son’s death. Their struggle has not been met with the institutional engagement they seek. Instead, their supporters were reportedly prevented from entering the campus and approaching its administration.
Dalit-Bahujan students deserve more than institutional assurances
According to Maharashtra Times, student and Ambedkarite organisations have demanded an impartial inquiry committee, a clear response from IIT Bombay’s director and concrete action on alleged caste discrimination and student safety. They have also raised broader concerns about institutional discrimination, including previous disputes involving reservation rosters.
The protesters are asking a question that the institute cannot afford to evade: why do Dalit-Bahujan students continue to raise concerns about discrimination and safety within an institution that is expected to uphold equal opportunity?
An investigation into Sahil’s death must establish the facts independently and fairly. At the same time, the administration has a responsibility to address allegations of discrimination, examine institutional failures where evidence warrants it, and ensure that students’ complaints receive a credible response.
These obligations are not mutually exclusive. Calling for an impartial inquiry does not prejudge its findings. Demanding accountability does not amount to obstructing due process. And raising concerns about caste discrimination cannot reasonably be dismissed merely because they are being voiced through protest.
Detailed reports may be read here and here.
Related:
When a Student Dies, Who Questions the Institution? | Sahil Wakode’s Parents Seek Justice | Teesta