Archive · 23 Sep 2026
IIT Bombay Forms Panel Amid Student Death Investigation
IIT Bombay has created a committee with 10 members to examine how student Sahil Wakode died.
Wakode was a second-year B-Tech student.
He was found hanging in his hostel room on September 18.
Earlier that day, he was allegedly caught using a phone to access ChatGPT during an exam.
Police are also investigating the death separately.
Wakode’s family says he had told them about caste-based insults.
Professor Suryanarayana Doolla, who is named in the case, has been sent on leave.
The police have asked people not to spread guesses or unverified information.
Different groups want the truth established and action taken if anyone is found responsible.
IIT Bombay’s board formed a 10-member committee to investigate the circumstances surrounding Sahil Wakode’s alleged suicide.
Wakode, a second-year B-Tech student, was found hanging in his hostel room on September 18.
The Mumbai Police Crime Branch is conducting a separate investigation and has urged the public to avoid speculation.
Professor Suryanarayana Doolla, named in an FIR alleging abetment to suicide linked to caste discrimination, was sent on leave and may be questioned.
Wakode’s family has sought arrests, while student groups and political figures have called for investigation and accountability.
- Who
- IIT Bombay, Sahil Wakode’s family, Professor Suryanarayana Doolla, the Mumbai Police Crime Branch, student groups and political figures are involved.
- What
- A 10-member institutional committee and a police investigation are examining the circumstances surrounding Wakode’s alleged suicide.
- When
- The committee was announced on Wednesday, September 23; Wakode was found dead on September 18.
- Where
- Wakode was found in his hostel room at IIT Bombay in Mumbai.
- Why
- The investigations aim to establish the circumstances of Wakode’s death, including allegations of caste discrimination and events surrounding an examination incident.
Calls for Immediate Accountability
Investigation Before Conclusions
Arrests and institutional responsibility
Calls for Immediate Accountability
Wakode’s father demanded the immediate arrest of IIT Bombay officials named in the FIR and said he would begin a hunger strike if arrests were not made.
Investigation Before Conclusions
The ABVP said action should be taken against whoever is found responsible, but warned that decisions should follow a detailed investigation and confirmation of the facts.
Possible cause of death
Calls for Immediate Accountability
Wakode’s parents said he had told them about caste-based slurs, and the FIR alleges abetment to suicide on grounds of caste discrimination.
Investigation Before Conclusions
Raj Thackeray argued that broader flaws and stress within the education system should be examined and said students should not be drawn into power politics involving caste and religion.
Public information
Calls for Immediate Accountability
Television channels aired CCTV footage showing Wakode’s movements before a professor led him from the examination hall, increasing public attention to the case.
Investigation Before Conclusions
Mumbai Police appealed to the public and media not to speculate, spread misinformation or draw premature conclusions, and asked that official channels be followed.
- Committee
- 10-member high-level committee constituted by the IIT Bombay board
- Student
- Sahil Wakode, a second-year B-Tech student
- Date of death
- September 18
- Police investigation
- Mumbai Police Crime Branch investigation described as diligent and impartial
- FIR allegation
- Abetment to suicide linked to alleged caste discrimination
- Faculty action
- Professor Suryanarayana Doolla was sent on leave and may be questioned
- Examination incident
- Wakode was allegedly caught using a mobile phone to access ChatGPT during a mid-semester examination
