Darshan Solanki, Sahil Wakode: Two IIT-Bombay suicides amid caste allegations

Sahil Wakode's death at IIT Bombay, after an alleged exam misconduct episode, has led to caste harassment allegations, official denials and a Crime Branch probe. The case has also reignited campus protests and renewed scrutiny of how the institute handles discrimination complaints, student distress and disciplinary processes.Darshan Solanki, Sahil Wakode: Two IIT-Bombay suicides amid caste allegationsThree years after the Darshan Solanki case triggered allegations of caste-based discrimination at IIT Bombay, the institute is once again under scrutiny following the death of 22-year-old second-year BTech student Sahil Wakode on September 18.Wakode’s death has renewed debate over caste discrimination, student welfare and the institute’s grievance-redressal mechanisms.During a three-hour late-night meeting on Sunday, IIT-Bombay Director Shireesh Kedare agreed to the students’ demands and signed an 18-point charter. The charter calls for an independent probe into the incident and reforms to the institute’s academic, disciplinary and student-welfare systems.Wakode’s family has alleged that he faced caste-based harassment, a claim denied by IIT Bombay. The institute said the student had not filed any complaint of caste discrimination with the administration or its SC/ST Cell. DARSHAN SOLANKI: THE 2023 DEATHDarshan Solanki, an 18-year-old BTech student from Gujarat who belonged to the Scheduled Caste community, died in February 2023 after falling from a hostel building at IIT Bombay.His death led to protests on campus and allegations of caste-based discrimination. His family and some student groups raised concerns over whether he had faced caste-related harassment. An IIT Bombay committee that investigated the death said it did not find evidence establishing caste discrimination as the cause of his death. The finding was disputed by sections of the student community and activists, and the case subsequently became a focal point in wider discussions about caste, inclusion and student welfare at premier educational institutions.SAHIL WAKODE: THE SEPTEMBER 2026 DEATHSahil Ravindra Wakode, a second-year BTech student in IIT Bombay’s Department of Energy Science and Engineering, was found dead in his hostel room on September 18, 2026.According to IIT Bombay, Wakode had been caught using a mobile phone during a mid-term examination. The institute said he had allegedly uploaded the question paper to ChatGPT to seek answers.IIT Bombay said no suspension or other disciplinary action had been initiated against him following the examination incident. According to the institute, the instructor and Head of Department counselled him after the incident.However, Wakode’s family has alleged that he faced caste-based harassment and mental distress in the months before his death.In a complaint to the police, his father alleged that Professor Suryanarayana Doolla subjected Wakode to casteist remarks and harassment. The complaint also alleged that the professor acted on the instructions of IIT Bombay Director Shireesh B Kedare.These allegations form part of the complaint and have not been established by the investigation. Kedare has denied the allegations. IIT Bombay has also said that Wakode had not approached the institute or its SC/ST Cell with a complaint of caste discrimination.FIR, SC/ST ACT AND CRIME BRANCH PROBEThe case has now been transferred to the Mumbai Police Crime Branch, which will investigate the circumstances surrounding Wakode’s death.A case was registered against Professor Suryanarayana Doolla based on a complaint filed by Wakode’s father. According to Mumbai Police, the complaint alleges that the professor made casteist remarks towards the deceased student.Police had earlier registered a case under Section 108 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita for abetment of suicide and invoked provisions of the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act.The allegations against the professor are part of the complaint and have not been established by the investigation. The Crime Branch will examine the allegations and the circumstances surrounding Wakode’s death.IIT BOMBAY DENIES CASTE DISCRIMINATIONIIT Bombay has denied allegations of caste-based discrimination in Wakode’s case. The institute said students’ caste information is not available to faculty members and that Wakode had not submitted any complaint alleging caste discrimination.The institute has also said it is cooperating with the investigation and urged students and others not to speculate while the inquiry is underway.IIT Bombay’s Faculty Forum has backed Professor Doolla, saying he was carrying out his invigilation duties and following the institute’s approved procedure during the examination.However, some students have questioned the institute’s account of the examination incident and alleged that Wakode was facing disciplinary pressure. IIT Bombay has maintained that no suspension or other disciplinary action had been initiated against him.FROM DARSHAN SOLANKI TO SAHIL WAKODEThe case has also revived debate over caste-related concerns, student welfare and grievance mechanisms at IIT Bombay, three years after the death of Darshan Solanki.While the circumstances surrounding Wakode’s death and the allegations made by his family remain under investigation, the subsequent protests have prompted fresh questions about how the institute handles allegations of discrimination, academic misconduct and student distress.The Mumbai Police Crime Branch is investigating the case and is expected to examine the allegations made in the police complaint and establish the circumstances surrounding Wakode’s death.- EndsPublished By: Apoorva AnandPublished On: Sep 21, 2026 11:56 IST