Sahil Wakode death: Chandrashekhar Azad seeks CBI probe, inquiry into police conduct with IIT Bombay students

Nagina MP and Azad Samaj Party (Kanshi Ram) national president Chandrashekhar Azad has written to Union Home Minister Amit Shah, seeking a Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) probe into the death of IIT Bombay student Sahil Wakode under suspicious circumstances. He has also called for an inquiry into the alleged harsh treatment of students by police during protests demanding justice for Wakode.

In his letter, Azad said Wakode’s death at the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Bombay on September 18 was a serious and concerning matter. He said the student’s parents had been continuously fighting for justice and had resorted to a hunger strike to demand that the truth behind their son’s death come to light.

Azad said he had also been raising his voice for justice for Wakode’s family and an impartial investigation into the case.

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Azad questions progress of Sahil Wakode death investigation

In the letter, Azad alleged that irresponsible statements by the IIT Bombay administration had raised serious questions and created confusion surrounding the case. He said that more than a month after the incident, the Mumbai Crime Branch investigation had not reached a decisive conclusion.

He also said Wakode’s mobile phone had not yet been unlocked, expressing concern about the progress of the investigation and the handling of important evidence.

Azad called for a detailed examination of all evidence related to the incident and the roles of the people concerned, so that the truth could emerge and Wakode’s parents could receive justice.

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MP raises concern over police conduct during IIT Bombay protest

IIT Bombay students had also staged protests demanding justice following Wakode’s death. Referring to a protest held on October 18, Azad expressed concern over reports of alleged harsh treatment of students by the police and administration.

He said students raising their voices for justice should be treated with respect and sensitivity. Azad also said the developments should not adversely affect students’ studies or academic futures.

He called for an investigation into the alleged police conduct and urged that steps be taken to ensure students’ education and academic prospects were not affected.

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Azad seeks CBI probe into Sahil Wakode death

Azad also sought an inquiry into the alleged police behaviour towards students demanding justice and called for measures to ensure that their education was not affected.

He said the pain of parents who had lost their son should be understood and that prompt, impartial and transparent action was necessary. Azad urged the Home Minister to intervene, ensure a CBI investigation and take the necessary steps to secure justice for Wakode’s family.

The IIT B for Bharat student group has also raised concerns over campus security, disruption to academic activities and the alleged involvement of external political figures in the protest. The group said repeated gate closures and restrictions had created uncertainty about the institute's normal functioning, making it difficult for students to maintain academic routines and access the campus. It also expressed concern that disruptions to institutional events and interactions with company representatives could affect students' internship and employment opportunities.