Parents seek CBI probe into IIT Bombay student death
Ravindra and Sonali Wakode have moved the Bombay High Court seeking an independent investigation into their son's death.
The parents of 20-year-old Sahil Wakode, a second-year BTech student at IIT Bombay, have approached the Bombay High Court seeking a transfer of the investigation into their son's death to the Central Bureau of Investigation or a Special Investigation Team. The petition, filed through advocate Hitendra Gandhi, also requests that a retired High Court judge monitor the probe.
The parents allege that Sahil faced casteist abuse and humiliation. They claim that during a visit earlier this month, Sahil told them he was being tortured and subjected to casteist slurs. The petition further states that Sahil was advised by roommates not to hang a portrait of Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar in his room to avoid discrimination.
On September 18, 2026, Sahil died during an examination. The petition alleges that the invigilator, Professor Suryanarayan Doolla, did not follow academic malpractice procedures when he removed Sahil from the hall. The parents claim Sahil was questioned and forced to write an apology letter.
The Powai police registered F.I.R. No. 999 of 2026 on September 19, 2026. The case includes charges of abetment of suicide and offences under the Scheduled Castes and the Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, 1989.
The investigation was subsequently transferred to the Crime Branch.
The petitioners have asked the court to direct the institution to secure all CCTV footage from September 18 and to prevent any contact with witnesses. A separate plea has also been filed in a special court seeking a status report on representations made to the police.