NCSC Chairman Kishor Makwana Conducts Spot Inquiry at IIT Bombay Over SC Student's Tragic Death

In a decisive move following allegations of caste-based discrimination and institutional harassment, the National Commission for Scheduled Castes (NCSC) Chairman, Shri Kishor Makwana, conducted an intensive spot inquiry at the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Bombay. The high-level visit comes in the wake of the tragic death of Shri Sahil Wakode, a second-year B.Tech student enrolled in the Department of Energy Science and Engineering at the premier institution. The inquiry aims to thoroughly examine the sequence of events, institutional responses, and academic pressures that preceded the student's untimely demise, which is currently under active investigation by the Mumbai Police Crime Branch.

The Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment has been closely monitoring the situation as public outcry grows over student welfare, mental health support systems, and the implementation of anti-discrimination protocols in elite technical institutions across India. By personally visiting the campus, inspecting examination halls, and reviewing police records, the NCSC has underscored its commitment to upholding constitutional safeguards and ensuring absolute transparency and accountability in the justice delivery process for marginalized communities.

Key Highlights & Major Announcements

• High-Level Spot Inquiry: NCSC Chairman Shri Kishor Makwana personally visited IIT Bombay on September 24, 2026, to investigate the circumstances surrounding the death of 2nd-year B.Tech student Shri Sahil Wakode.
• Interactions with Administration & Faculty: The Chairman held \textensive discussions with the IIT Bombay Director, Deputy Director, Registrar, and faculty members from the Department of Energy Science and Engineering.
• Focus on Examination Incident: The inquiry specifically examined the events of September 18, 2026, during a mid-semester examination where the student was allegedly questioned regarding academic malpractice.
• Preservation of Evidence: Strict directives were issued to preserve all crucial records, including CCTV footage, electronic communications, and examination documents for the Mumbai Police Crime Branch.
• Review with Law Enforcement: Shri Makwana conducted a high-level review meeting with the DGP, Police Commissioner, and Crime Branch officials, demanding a fair, comprehensive, and expeditious probe.
• Meeting the Bereaved Family: The Chairman met with the parents and relatives of the deceased student, assuring them of full statutory support and an impartial investigation.

Contextual Analysis: Unpacking the IIT Bombay Inquiry

The tragic incident at IIT Bombay has once again brought to the forefront the critical discourse surrounding campus mental health, caste dynamics, and grievance redressal mechanisms in India's top-tier educational institutions. Shri Sahil Wakode was pursuing a rigorous engineering curriculum in the Department of Energy Science and Engineering, a high-stress academic environment where students often face intense competitive pressure.

The NCSC's intervention is anchored in its statutory mandate under Article 338 of the Constitution of India, which empowers the Commission to investigate specific complaints regarding the deprivation of rights and safeguards for Scheduled Castes. During the campus inspection, the Chairman meticulously traced the student's footsteps—visiting the classroom where the examination incident occurred, inspecting the hostel room where the student resided, and interacting directly with classmates to gather ground-level perspectives on the campus climate.

Police Investigation and Evidence Preservation

A major focal point of the Chairman's visit was ensuring the integrity of the ongoing criminal investigation. With the Mumbai Police Crime Branch handling the case, the NCSC has emphasized the imperative of collecting and preserving all forms of evidence—ranging from digital logs and CCTV recordings to forensic testimonies. Law enforcement officials have been directed to record statements from all relevant stakeholders, including peers, faculty, and administrative staff, to build a transparent and legally robust case.

The constitutional and statutory safeguards available to members of the Scheduled Castes must be effectively protected, and institutions must maintain appropriate mechanisms for ensuring dignity, equality, non-discrimination, student welfare and effective grievance redressal. — Shri Kishor Makwana, Chairman, NCSC

Significance & National Impact

The proactive stance adopted by the National Commission for Scheduled Castes in this case sends a strong signal to academic institutions nationwide. Elite technical and professional universities are legally and morally obligated to foster inclusive, safe, and equitable environments that protect students from all forms of systemic bias and harassment.

As higher education expands rapidly across India, ensuring robust institutional support systems—such as functional SC/ST cell grievance mechanisms, accessible mental health counselors, and transparent disciplinary procedures—becomes paramount. The NCSC's demand for a detailed Action Taken Report (ATR) from IIT Bombay and the local police administration establishes accountability and reinforces public trust in statutory oversight bodies.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What was the primary purpose of the NCSC Chairman's visit to IIT Bombay?

The NCSC Chairman, Shri Kishor Makwana, conducted a spot inquiry to investigate the allegations of caste discrimination and harassment raised by the family of the late Shri Sahil Wakode, a second-year B.Tech student who tragically passed away.

Which bodies are currently investigating the death of Shri Sahil Wakode?

The case is currently being investigated by the Mumbai Police Crime Branch, while the National Commission for Scheduled Castes (NCSC) is conducting a parallel statutory inquiry under its constitutional mandate.

What specific directions were given to IIT Bombay authorities and police?

The Chairman directed institute authorities to preserve all crucial evidence, including CCTV footage and exam records. He also instructed police officials to ensure a fair, impartial, and expeditious probe and to submit a comprehensive Action Taken Report to the Commission.

What support has been assured to the grieving family?

During a personal meeting, Shri Makwana assured the parents and family members of Sahil Wakode that the Commission will closely monitor the investigation and take all necessary actions within its statutory jurisdiction to secure justice.

Official Source & Verification

This article is grounded on the official press release issued by the Press Information Bureau (PIB), Government of India (Release ID: 2314585, Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment). Access the official document: https://pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=2314585&lang=1.