IIT Bombay student’s death merits thorough probe: Ramdas Athawale
Union Minister Ramdas Athawale has called for a thorough investigation into the death of IIT Bombay student Sahil Wakode, who died by suicide on September 18. The student's parents allege he faced caste-based discrimination and have been protesting for accountability.
Why it matters
The case underscores ongoing tensions regarding caste-based discrimination within elite Indian educational institutions and the demand for systemic reform.
Union Minister Ramdas Athawale on Friday (September 25, 2026) sought a “thorough investigation” into the death of IIT Bombay student Sahil Wakode last week.
“Any student who gets admission to the IIT is very clever and highly capable. Sahil’s death should be thoroughly investigated, and action should be taken against those responsible,” the Minister said after visiting IIT Bombay.
“The way he died by suicide suggests there could be some major reason behind it. Someone may have insulted him and forced him to take the extreme step,” Athawale said.
Sahil’s parents, Ravindra Wakode and Sonali Wakode, went on a hunger strike at Azad Maidan in Mumbai on Thursday to seek justice for their son, who died on September 18.
Also covering this story
One other newsroom covered this event. We read that version too.
Get smarter about the news
Sign up free for a feed built around what you actually care about, Dive Deeper research on any story, and the full text of every article.
Create free accountAlready have an account? Sign in