Mumbai: Tensions continued at IIT-Bombay on Monday, September 21, as Mumbai Police reportedly detained several students protesting outside the Powai campus over the death of second-year student Sahil Wakode. The protesters were demanding accountability from the institute and the resignation of Director Prof. Shireesh Kedare.

Students had planned a silent demonstration outside the campus but were reportedly stopped by police, citing lack of permission. Heavy security deployment was witnessed around the institute as student groups continued their agitation.

The protests began after Wakode, a BTech student from the Department of Energy Science and Engineering, died by suicide on September 18. His family has alleged harassment and caste-based discrimination, claims that remain under investigation. The case has been transferred to the Mumbai Crime Branch.

Amid the protests, IIT-Bombay removed Prof. Suryanarayana Doolla from the post of Dean of Administrative Affairs. He will continue as a professor at the institute. The action followed students’ demand for his removal from administrative responsibilities.

The institute also apologised for its earlier communication regarding Wakode’s death, saying that it was inappropriate to comment on circumstances before the investigation was complete. Earlier, IIT-Bombay had claimed Wakode was allegedly caught using a mobile phone during an examination, an aspect that has since become part of the ongoing probe.

Students have submitted an 18-point charter of demands, including an independent inquiry, institutional reforms and student representation in key bodies. Further discussions between students and institute officials are expected.