Father of IIT Bombay student Sahil Wakode alleges professor Shireesh Kedare used caste slurs, threats and harassment, claiming the abuse led to his suicide.
Delhi, September 20, 2026 – The father of Sahil Wakode, a second‑year student at the Indian Institute of Technology Bombay who died by suicide earlier this month, has lodged serious allegations of caste‑based abuse, threats and sustained harassment. According to the family, the misconduct was allegedly orchestrated by Director Shireesh B. Kedare over a period of three months.
Allegations and background
Wakode’s father contended that his son faced repeated derogatory remarks targeting his caste, which escalated to overt threats that created a hostile academic environment. The complaints indicate that the alleged slurs were not isolated incidents but part of a systematic pattern of intimidation that culminated in the tragic loss of the young scholar.
Institutional response
The institute’s administration has confirmed that it is reviewing the matter. A senior official said the campus will cooperate fully with any external investigation and that a preliminary internal inquiry has been launched to ascertain the veracity of the claims. No official statement from Director Kedare has been released as of press time.
Legal and societal implications
Experts note that the case highlights the broader issue of caste discrimination in elite educational institutions, a subject that has drawn increasing scrutiny from civil‑society groups and policymakers. Legal analysts suggest that if the allegations are substantiated, they could trigger criminal complaints under the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, as well as civil liability for the institute.
Calls for accountability
Student unions across the country have issued statements demanding transparent investigations and stronger safeguards against caste‑based harassment on campuses. The incident also revives debates about mental‑health support systems within Indian higher‑education establishments, with several student bodies urging the Ministry of Education to mandate comprehensive counseling services.
As the investigation unfolds, the Wakode family seeks justice for their son and hopes that the case will prompt systemic reforms to protect vulnerable students from discrimination and abuse.
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