Archive · 22 Sep 2026
IIT Bombay Apologises, Suspends Dean Amid Sahil Wakode Probe
Sahil Wakode was a 20-year-old, second-year student at IIT Bombay.
He was found dead in his hostel room after reportedly being caught using ChatGPT during an exam.
Students began protesting and asking for answers and accountability.
IIT Bombay said some of its earlier statements about the incident were incorrect or needed correction.
The institute apologised for those statements.
Professor Suryanarayana Doolla, who was reportedly involved in the examination incident, was removed from his dean’s administrative post.
He was not removed as a professor.
Student representatives said this action was only a precaution while the investigation continues, and that it does not mean he has been found guilty.
IIT Bombay apologised for earlier statements about second-year student Sahil Wakode’s death.
Wakode, 20, was found dead in his hostel room after allegedly being caught using ChatGPT during an examination.
Professor Suryanarayana Doolla was suspended from his deanship with immediate effect but remains a professor at IIT Bombay.
Student representatives said the suspension was sought as a precautionary measure, not as an assumption of Doolla’s guilt.
Protests continued as students demanded justice, accountability, and a fair investigation into the circumstances of Wakode’s death.
- Who
- Sahil Wakode, IIT Bombay, Professor Suryanarayana Doolla, and protesting student representatives.
- What
- IIT Bombay apologised for earlier statements and suspended Doolla from his deanship amid an investigation into Wakode’s death.
- When
- The suspension took effect immediately; protests and student statements continued afterward, with no specific dates provided for the death.
- Where
- Wakode was found dead in his hostel room at IIT Bombay.
- Why
- The action followed Wakode’s death, protests, and demands for accountability and an impartial investigation.
Students Seeking Accountability
Fair-Investigation Position
Purpose of the suspension
Students Seeking Accountability
Student protesters sought Doolla’s temporary removal from administrative duties during the probe to support accountability and address concerns about the incident.
Fair-Investigation Position
Student representatives said the suspension was only a precautionary measure and should not be treated as a presumption of Doolla’s guilt.
Student demands
Students Seeking Accountability
Protesting students demanded justice, explanations, and accountability from IIT Bombay over Wakode’s death and the institute’s earlier statements.
Fair-Investigation Position
Representatives emphasised Doolla’s right to a fair and impartial investigation while the circumstances are examined.
- Institution
- IIT Bombay
- Student
- Sahil Wakode, 20, a second-year student
- Reported examination incident
- Wakode was allegedly caught using ChatGPT for answers during an examination; an earlier account referred to mobile-phone use
- Professor
- Suryanarayana Doolla, who was reportedly the invigilator
- Administrative action
- Doolla was suspended from his deanship with immediate effect but retained as a professor
- Institute response
- IIT Bombay issued a formal apology for earlier statements about the circumstances of the death
- Student position
- Representatives described the suspension as a precautionary measure and supported Doolla’s right to a fair, impartial investigation
- Public response
- Students continued protests demanding justice and accountability
