The hidden forms of caste bias inside IITs
The death of a Dalit student at IIT-Bombay has sparked a national conversation regarding systemic caste-based discrimination within elite Indian educational institutions. Faculty support for the accused professor has further intensified protests and debates over merit and bias.
Why it matters
It underscores deep-seated social inequalities in higher education and the challenges of addressing institutional caste bias.
Sahil Wakode, a second-year B.Tech student from a Dalit community, died by suicide in his hostel room at IIT-Bombay on September 18, 2026. While a probe is under way, former students and activists have been pointing to what they call “deep structural biases” that cast a shadow over the credibility of institutions in dealing with such situations.
Sahil’s family has alleged caste-based harassment by Professor Suryanarayana Doolla, his course instructor and invigilator, who has been named in a First Information Report (FIR) under the provisions of the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act and for abetment of suicide. He has been suspended as the Dean of Administrative Affairs.
ALSO WATCH IIT-Bombay student case: Sahil Wakode’s family begin protest at Mumbai’s Azad Maidan
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