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IIT Bombay Student Death Probe Focuses On Devices, Exam Events
Police are investigating the alleged suicide of IIT Bombay student Sahil Wakhode.
He died on September 18.
Investigators are trying to unlock his iPhone and Apple laptop for possible clues.
They are also checking claims that he used a phone or ChatGPT during an examination.
A video appears to show a teacher speaking with him before the exam ended, but police have not confirmed what the video proves.
Police have recorded statements from about 25 people, including students, staff members, and Wakhode’s parents.
His family says police took them to Yavatmal without explaining the destination beforehand.
The family has demanded action against two IIT Bombay officials and has begun a hunger strike.
IIT Bombay has postponed some exams, while protests and political demands for a wider investigation continue.
The Mumbai Crime Branch is investigating the alleged suicide of 22-year-old IIT Bombay student Sahil Wakhode on September 18.
Forensic experts are trying to unlock Wakhode’s iPhone and Apple laptop, which police say may contain information about his death.
Investigators are examining allegations that Wakhode used ChatGPT or a phone during a mid-semester examination before leaving the exam hall.
A purported CCTV clip shows a teacher approaching Wakhode shortly before the examination ended, but its authenticity and context remain under review.
Protests have grown as the family seeks action against institute officials, IIT Bombay postpones exams, and police detain Congress MP Varsha Gaikwad.
- Who
- The Mumbai Crime Branch is investigating the alleged suicide of 22-year-old IIT Bombay student Sahil Wakhode; his parents, students, institute staff, and political leaders are also involved in the developments.
- What
- Authorities are examining Wakhode’s death, events during a September 18 examination, alleged phone or ChatGPT use, and the contents of his electronic devices.
- Where
- The investigation concerns IIT Bombay in Mumbai; the family was taken to Yavatmal, and later protested at Azad Maidan.
- When
- Wakhode died on September 18, 2026; developments including protests, statements, and the exam postponement were reported on September 24.
- Why
- Investigators are trying to establish what happened before Wakhode’s death, while his family and supporters are seeking accountability and a broader probe.
Investigative and institutional account
Family and political critics
Cause and sequence of events
Investigative and institutional account
Police are examining whether alleged phone or ChatGPT use during an examination was followed by an interaction with a teacher and Wakhode leaving the premises.
Family and political critics
The family and supporters are demanding a comprehensive investigation and have described the death as involving possible institutional wrongdoing; the available footage does not establish the full sequence.
Responsibility of institute officials
Investigative and institutional account
IIT Bombay apologized for earlier statements, saying it was premature to characterize events before formal inquiries were completed.
Family and political critics
Wakhode’s parents demanded the immediate arrest of professor Suryanarayana Doolla and IIT Bombay director Shireesh Kedare.
Scope of the investigation
Investigative and institutional account
The Mumbai Crime Branch is recording statements and using forensic experts to examine the phone and laptop, while the National Commission for Scheduled Castes discussed the possibility of transferring the case to the Central Bureau of Investigation.
Family and political critics
The family and political supporters are pressing for stronger action and a broader probe; Congress MP Varsha Gaikwad called the incident an 'institutional murder,' a characterization not established by the investigation.
Key facts
- Student
- Sahil Wakhode, aged 22
- Institution
- IIT Bombay
- Investigation agency
- Mumbai Crime Branch
- Devices sent for examination
- Wakhode’s iPhone and Apple laptop
- Statements recorded
- About 25 people, including students, staff members, and Wakhode’s parents
- Exam change
- Mid-semester examinations scheduled for September 26–27 were postponed to October 10–11
- Family action
- Wakhode’s parents obtained permission to protest at Azad Maidan and began a hunger strike
Sources
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