# IIT Bombay student’s father to start protest at Azad Maidan

2026-09-27T17:11:39+00:00 | India | Indian Opinion Desk

Corroboration: 3 independent outlets

Ravindra Wakode, father of IIT Bombay student Sahil Wakode who died by suicide on September 18, will begin a sit-in protest and continue his fast at Azad Maidan in Mumbai from Monday until those responsible are punished. 'I do not care even if I get arrested,' he said. Mumbai Police Crime Branch is probing alleged abetment to suicide. The 10-member committee appointed by the institute's board of governors to investigate the circumstances has sought and received a week's extension, according to Times of India. New Indian Express reports that students held a candlelight march on Friday night demanding the panel be reconstituted, alleging some members expressed support for accused professor Suryanarayana Doolla, who has been sent on leave. Wakode's parents have alleged caste discrimination at the institute. Students' unions from other premier institutes have extended support, demanding a transparent investigation and action against those responsible.

## Indian Opinion Analysis

All three sources report the same core facts: the father's protest, the probe extension, and student objections to the panel's composition. New Indian Express and Times of India both foreground the parents' caste discrimination allegations and student demands, while NDTV's shorter report focuses on the father's defiant quote. None take a pro-government or critical stance, they are neutral-report. The real development to track is whether the extended probe will address the students' demand for reconstitution of the panel. The next hearing by the crime branch or any board decision will clarify the timeline for justice. Wait, I need to check length and avoid banned phrases. Let me rewrite.

## Coverage

- newindianexpress.com (neutral report) <https://www.newindianexpress.com/states/maharashtra/2026/Sep/27/iit-bombay-suicide-case-deceased-wakodes-father-to-protest-at-azad-maidan-from-monday>
  Reports father's protest, caste allegations, and student demands without slant.
- ndtv.com (neutral report) <https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/iit-bombay-sahil-wakode-suicide-students-father-to-launch-protest-dont-care-if-im-arrested-12106083>
  Condenses the father's threat to protest and his quoted defiance.
- timesofindia.indiatimes.com (neutral report) <https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/mumbai/iit-b-suicide-probe-panel-gets-1-week-extension-parents-to-begin-hunger-strike-on-sept-28/articleshow/134524407.cms>
  Leads with probe extension, then details father's protest and student objections.

Tags: IIT Bombay, Mumbai Police, Ravindra Wakode, Sahil Wakode
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