Archive · 23 Sep 2026
IIT Bombay Alumni Seek Fair Probe Into Sahil Wakode Death
Sahil Wakode was a second-year student at IIT Bombay who died in his hostel room.
Reports described his death as an alleged suicide.
The alumni association asked for a quick and fair investigation.
It said people should not spread guesses or declare someone guilty before the investigation is finished.
Sahil’s parents said he had told them about caste-based insults and mistreatment.
They also questioned the institute’s initial claim that he had used ChatGPT during an examination.
Professor Suryanarayana Doolla was removed from his administrative position after protests.
A case alleging abetment and caste discrimination was registered against him.
The alumni association said the institute should improve mental-health support and rebuild trust.
The IIT Bombay Alumni Association called for a fair, transparent and speedy investigation into Sahil Wakode’s death.
The association warned against online speculation, media trials and premature conclusions about any individual.
Wakode’s parents alleged caste-based abuse and demanded investigation and action against those responsible.
Professor Suryanarayana Doolla was removed as Dean of Administrative Affairs after student protests, and a case alleging abetment and caste discrimination was registered against him.
IIT Bombay apologised for its initial communication about the incident, while students later resumed regular lectures and the alumni body offered support for campus well-being.
- Who
- The IIT Bombay Alumni Association, Sahil Wakode’s family, IIT Bombay students and institute officials including Professors Suryanarayana Doolla and Shirish Kedare.
- What
- The alumni association sought a fair investigation into Wakode’s death and warned against media trials and premature conclusions.
- When
- The association issued its statement on September 22; Wakode was found in his hostel room on September 18.
- Where
- IIT Bombay in Mumbai.
- Why
- The statement followed Wakode’s death, student protests, allegations of caste-based mistreatment and action against an institute administrator.
Calls for Procedural Restraint
Calls for Accountability
Public discussion of the investigation
Calls for Procedural Restraint
The alumni association urged people to avoid online speculation, media trials and premature or 'nasty' conclusions until the investigation is complete.
Calls for Accountability
Wakode’s parents demanded a thorough examination of evidence and action against anyone found responsible for his death.
Caste-based mistreatment allegations
Calls for Procedural Restraint
The allegations should be assessed through a fair investigation without prejudice or public conclusions in advance.
Calls for Accountability
Wakode’s parents said he had told them about caste-based slurs, torture and humiliation, and sought action against those responsible.
Action against Professor Doolla
Calls for Procedural Restraint
Some faculty members questioned whether Doolla’s removal was necessary or whether it occurred prematurely under pressure; alumnus Sudheendra Kulkarni urged withdrawal of the SC/ST Act case against him.
Calls for Accountability
Student protests sought institutional accountability, while a police case alleging abetment and caste discrimination was registered against Doolla.
- Student
- Sahil Wakode, 22, a second-year B.Tech student in Energy Science and Engineering
- Death
- He was found hanging in his hostel room on September 18 evening
- Alumni appeal
- The IIT Bombay Alumni Association requested a fair, transparent and speedy investigation
- Family allegations
- Wakode’s parents alleged that he faced caste-based abuse, humiliation and mistreatment
- Administrative action
- Suryanarayana Doolla was removed as Dean of Administrative Affairs after student protests
- Legal case
- A case alleging abetment and caste discrimination was registered against Doolla
- Campus response
- Students presented an 18-point charter of demands and later resumed regular lectures
