Archive · 20 Sep 2026
IIT Bombay Student Death Leads to FIR, Crime Branch Probe
Sahil Ravindra Wakode was a student at IIT Bombay.
He was found dead in his hostel room after an examination.
The institute said he had been using a phone and ChatGPT during the test.
IIT Bombay said teachers spoke with him and told him the incident would not harm his academic future.
His parents said he had been harassed, tortured, and discriminated against because of caste.
Police registered a case to investigate whether anyone contributed to his death.
A professor was later named as an accused, and the Crime Branch took over the investigation.
Students protested and asked the institute to explain what happened.
Sahil Ravindra Wakode, a 22-year-old IIT Bombay student, was found dead in Hostel No. 4 on Friday evening.
IIT Bombay said he had been caught using a mobile phone and uploading an examination paper to ChatGPT.
His parents alleged institutional harassment, torture, and caste-based discrimination, and sought justice for their only child.
Police registered an abetment-of-suicide case under Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita Section 108 and relevant SC/ST Act provisions.
A professor was named as an accused, and the investigation was transferred from Powai police to the Mumbai Police Crime Branch; no arrests have been made.
- Who
- Sahil Ravindra Wakode, his parents, an unnamed IIT Bombay professor, institute officials, students, and Mumbai Police.
- What
- Wakode was found dead in his hostel room; an abetment-of-suicide case was registered and later transferred to the Crime Branch, with a professor named as an accused.
- When
- Wakode was found dead on Friday evening; his parents approached police on Saturday, and the Crime Branch takeover was reported on Sunday, September 20, 2026.
- Where
- Hostel No. 4 on the IIT Bombay campus in Powai, Mumbai, Maharashtra.
- Why
- The circumstances remain under investigation. His parents allege harassment, torture, and caste discrimination, while IIT Bombay says no disciplinary action had begun and that he was counselled.
Family and Student Protesters
IIT Bombay and Investigators
Cause and responsibility
Family and Student Protesters
Wakode’s parents said institutional harassment, torture, and caste discrimination contributed to his death and blamed the institute.
IIT Bombay and Investigators
IIT Bombay said no disciplinary action had been initiated, while police are investigating the allegations and have not announced a final finding on responsibility.
Threat of disciplinary action
Family and Student Protesters
Students alleged that Wakode faced the possibility of a one-year suspension, which could have required him to leave the hostel and extended his course.
IIT Bombay and Investigators
IIT Bombay said the matter was discussed with him by the instructor and department head, who counselled him and assured him it would not harm his academic career.
Institutional accountability
Family and Student Protesters
Protesters demanded transparency, an inquiry, resignations of several officials, student representation on academic committees, and changes to disciplinary rules.
IIT Bombay and Investigators
The institute said the circumstances were being examined by appropriate authorities, while the Crime Branch continued collecting evidence and recording statements.
- Student
- Sahil Ravindra Wakode, a 22-year-old second-year student in IIT Bombay’s Energy Science and Engineering department
- Reported academic level
- Most reports identify Wakode as a second-year BTech student; one report described him as an MSc student
- Location
- A fourth-floor room in Hostel No. 4 on IIT Bombay’s Powai campus
- Examination incident
- IIT Bombay said Wakode was found using a mobile phone and had uploaded the examination question paper to ChatGPT to seek answers
- Family allegations
- His parents alleged institutional harassment, torture, and caste-based discrimination
- Police case
- Powai police registered an abetment-of-suicide case under Section 108 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita and relevant provisions of the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act
- Investigation status
- A professor was named as an accused, the probe was transferred to the Mumbai Police Crime Branch, and no arrests had been made
- Evidence and campus response
- Police reported no suicide note, seized Wakode’s phone, collected CCTV footage and statements, while students protested and demanded an inquiry
Sources
IIT Bombay Student Suicide: Sahil Wakode's Parents Blame Institute, Allege Torture; 'He Was Our Only Child,' Says Devastated Couple
IIT Bombay professor named 'accused' in student suicide case, crime branch takes over probe
IIT Bombay student suicide: Professor booked for abetment; Crime Branch probe underway
"He Was Harassed, Killed": Mother Of IIT Bombay Student Who Died By Suicide
IIT Bombay Student Suicide: Mumbai Police Register FIR After Sahil Wakode's Devastated Parents Seek Justice