Daijiworld Media Network - Mumbai

Mumbai, Oct 7: A 72-year-old man staying at IIT Bombay’s Van Vihar guest house in Powai has been booked for allegedly making a casteist remark referring to the Constitution and its architect, Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar.

The alleged incident took place at the guest house reception on October 5, when the man was reportedly commenting on student protests on the IIT Bombay campus.

Powai police registered an FIR against Shyam Kacholia, who was staying in Room 315, under Section 299 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) and Sections 3(1)(u) and 3(1)(v) of the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act.

A video of the alleged incident surfaced on social media. The Ambedkar Periyar Phule Study Circle (APPSC), IIT Bombay, shared the video on Instagram and X on October 6, alleging that the man had used casteist language. The group condemned the alleged remark and called for IIT Bombay to cooperate with the authorities.

The incident comes amid protests at IIT Bombay following the death of 20-year-old student Sahil Wakode on September 18. Wakode’s family has alleged that he faced caste-based discrimination and harassment. The allegations are currently under investigation.

The Mumbai Crime Branch is probing Wakode’s death and has recorded statements from institute officials, including IIT Bombay director Shireesh Kedare and Professor Suryanarayana Doolla. Both have denied allegations of caste-based discrimination.

Powai police are investigating the complaint against Kacholia. The allegations against him have not been established in court.