Mumbai Police sparked outrage on Sunday, October 25, 2026, after cracking down on a peaceful candlelight vigil in Dadar, resulting in the mass detention of over 140 students and activists. Among those detained was popular stand-up comedian Masoom Rajwani.
The protestors had gathered at Chaityabhoomi and Shivaji Park to demand justice for Sahil Wakode, an IIT Bombay student who tragically died by suicide last month (September 18) following allegations of institutional casteism.
Following the police crackdown, a video recorded by Masoom Rajwani from inside a police detention van went viral on social media, where the comedian is heard questioning the authorities and alleging police brutality.
Here is a complete breakdown of the viral video, the mass detention, and the background of the Sahil Wakode protest!
“Maine Kiya Kya Hai?”: Masoom Rajwani’s Viral Video
Stand-up comedian Masoom Rajwani, known for his politically aware sets and recent support for Sahil Wakode’s family, joined the Sunday candlelight vigil in Dadar. However, the peaceful gathering was swiftly disrupted by the Mumbai Police.
In a video that has now taken the internet by storm, a distressed Rajwani is seen sitting inside a police van alongside other detained activists. He is heard repeatedly questioning the police action, asking, “Maine kiya kya hai?” (What have I done?).
In the same video, the comedian alleged that the protestors were subjected to police brutality and manhandling during the sudden detention drive. The footage quickly went viral on X (formerly Twitter) and Instagram, drawing widespread condemnation from citizens, student unions, and fellow artists who criticized the Mumbai Police for suppressing a peaceful demand for justice.
The IIT Bombay Tragedy: Who was Sahil Wakode?
The protest was organized in memory of Sahil Wakode, a Dalit student at the prestigious IIT Bombay, who died by suicide on September 18, 2026.
His tragic death sent shockwaves across the country and reignited intense debates regarding institutional casteism within elite educational institutes. Wakode’s family and several student groups have alleged that he faced severe harassment and caste-based discrimination on campus, which ultimately drove him to take his own life.
Prior to the protest, Masoom Rajwani had personally met with Sahil Wakode’s family to show solidarity and urged his massive social media following to support the family’s fight for a fair investigation.
The Police Action in Dadar
According to official reports, the Mumbai Police disrupted two separate student-led protests in the Dadar area on Sunday. The police detained around 140 individuals, including Ambedkarite activists, students, and Rajwani, near Shivaji Park and Chaityabhoomi.
While the police have yet to issue a detailed official statement regarding the allegations of brutality raised in Rajwani’s video, authorities cited maintaining law and order as the primary reason for the detentions.
The incident has further fueled public anger, with activists demanding the immediate release of those detained and a transparent, high-level probe into Sahil Wakode’s death.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Why was comedian Masoom Rajwani detained by the Mumbai Police?
Masoom Rajwani was detained along with over 140 other students and activists for participating in a candlelight vigil in Dadar, Mumbai. The protest was organized to demand justice for Sahil Wakode.
Who is Sahil Wakode?
Sahil Wakode was a student at IIT Bombay who tragically died by suicide on September 18, 2026, allegedly due to institutional casteism and harassment on campus.
What is the ‘Maine Kiya Kya Hai’ video about?
In a viral video recorded from inside a police detention van, comedian Masoom Rajwani is seen asking the police “Maine kiya kya hai?” (What have I done?) and alleging that the peaceful protestors were subjected to police brutality during the crackdown.
Where did the detentions take place?
The Mumbai Police detained the protestors during a candlelight vigil held near Chaityabhoomi and Shivaji Park in Dadar, Mumbai.
