Rahul Gandhi calls IIT Bombay student Sahil Wakode's family, pledges justice support
Synopsis
Rahul Gandhi personally called the family of IIT Bombay student Sahil Wakode — found dead in his hostel room on 18 September — as the Crime Branch probes allegations of abetment to suicide and caste-based discrimination against a named professor. With Youth Congress readying a public strategy and political pressure mounting on the institution, the case is shaping up as a flashpoint over campus accountability and caste justice.
Key Takeaways
Rahul Gandhi called the family of Sahil Ravindra Wakode on 24 September 2026 , assuring support in their pursuit of justice.
Sahil Wakode , a 20-year-old second-year B.Tech student, was found hanging in his hostel room at IIT Bombay's Powai campus on 18 September 2026 .
The case, registered as DCB CID C.R.
124/2026 , has been transferred to the Mumbai Police Crime Branch and is supervised by a DCP-rank officer .
Professor Suryanarayana Doolla has been sent on leave; a case against him includes allegations of abetment to suicide and caste-based discrimination .
Sahil's parents have demanded the immediate arrest of the professor.
The Youth Congress is set to hold a press conference on Thursday to announce its next course of action.
Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi on Thursday, 24 September 2026, spoke to the family of IIT Bombay student Sahil Ravindra Wakode over the phone, assuring them of his full support in their pursuit of justice, according to the Maharashtra Congress. The call comes days after Wakode, a 20-year-old second-year B.Tech student, was found dead in his hostel room on the Powai campus on the evening of 18 September 2026.
What Gandhi Said
According to the Maharashtra Congress, Gandhi expressed solidarity with the bereaved family and assured them of 'all possible support' in seeking justice for Sahil. The Youth Congress is also scheduled to hold a press conference on Thursday afternoon, where it is expected to announce its future strategy and the next course of action in the case.
The Investigation So Far
The Mumbai Police Crime Branch is currently probing the case, registered as DCB CID C.R. No. 124/2026 at Powai Police Station before being transferred to the Crime Branch. The investigation has been entrusted to an ACP-rank officer and is being closely supervised by DCP Detection-I, Crime Branch, officials said. Police on Wednesday stated the probe was being conducted 'impartially' and that 'all possible angles' were being examined. They also appealed to the public to refrain from spreading misinformation about the case.
Allegations Against Professor and IIT Administration
Sahil's family has levelled serious allegations against the IIT Bombay administration and certain officials. A case has been registered against IIT Bombay professor Suryanarayana Doolla — who has been named in connection with Wakode's death — on allegations including abetment to suicide and caste-based discrimination. Doolla was sent on leave amid the ongoing investigation, sources said on Wednesday. Sahil's parents have demanded his immediate arrest.
How Sahil Died
Wakode, enrolled in the Department of Energy Science and Engineering, was found hanging in his hostel room on the evening of 18 September 2026 — reportedly hours after he was allegedly caught using a mobile phone during a mid-semester examination. His death triggered protests on the campus, though regular classes resumed at IIT Bombay on Wednesday.
What Happens Next
With the Crime Branch investigation ongoing and the Youth Congress preparing its next steps, political pressure on the IIT administration and Mumbai Police is likely to intensify. The family's demand for an arrest and the questions over caste-based discrimination make this a case with significant institutional and social dimensions that will remain closely watched.
Point of View
And whether the invigilation incident that allegedly preceded the death followed any protocol. The Crime Branch's ACP-level probe is necessary, but the broader systemic audit of IIT campus welfare structures — especially for students from marginalised communities — is overdue. Gandhi's call is a signal; what matters is whether it translates into legislative or judicial pressure that outlasts the news cycle.
NationPress
24 Sept 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did Rahul Gandhi call Sahil Wakode's family?
Rahul Gandhi called the family of IIT Bombay student Sahil Wakode to express solidarity and assure them of all possible support in seeking justice, according to the Maharashtra Congress. The call came on 24 September 2026 , days after Sahil's death sparked protests and serious allegations against the institute.
How did Sahil Wakode die?
Sahil Ravindra Wakode , a 20-year-old second-year B.Tech student in IIT Bombay's Department of Energy Science and Engineering, was found hanging in his hostel room on the evening of 18 September 2026 . His death reportedly occurred hours after he was allegedly caught using a mobile phone during a mid-semester examination.
Who is Professor Suryanarayana Doolla and what is he accused of?
Professor Suryanarayana Doolla of IIT Bombay has been named in connection with Sahil Wakode's death. A case against him has been registered on allegations including abetment to suicide and caste-based discrimination. He has been sent on leave pending the investigation, and Sahil's parents have demanded his immediate arrest.
Who is investigating the IIT Bombay student death case?
The case has been transferred to the Mumbai Police Crime Branch and is registered as DCB CID C.R. No. 124/2026 . It is being investigated by an ACP-rank officer under close supervision of the DCP Detection-I, Crime Branch . Police have said all possible angles are being examined impartially.
What action is the Youth Congress planning in the Sahil Wakode case?
The Youth Congress is scheduled to hold a press conference on Thursday, 24 September 2026 , to announce its future strategy and next course of action concerning the case. The organisation's involvement signals growing political pressure on both the IIT Bombay administration and the investigating authorities.
