Archive · 24 Sep 2026
IIT-Bombay CCTV Probe Deepens Debate Over Sahil Wakode Death
Sahil Wakode was an IIT-Bombay student who died after an incident that police are investigating.
New CCTV footage shows him looking at or using a phone during an examination.
A professor then approached and questioned him.
He left the examination hall afterward, although one account says the professor escorted him out.
Police are checking the video, phone information and statements from people who may know what happened.
Sahil’s family says he faced harassment because of his caste.
IIT-Bombay says he did not make a caste-harassment complaint to the institute.
His parents are seeking justice and have reportedly started an indefinite hunger strike.
The footage has not yet answered what happened after Sahil left the hall.
CCTV footage reportedly shows Sahil Wakode looking at or using a mobile phone during an examination.
A professor approached and questioned Wakode, after which he left the examination hall; one account says the professor escorted him out.
The Mumbai Crime Branch is examining CCTV, phone data and witness statements to reconstruct events surrounding his death.
Wakode’s family alleges caste-based harassment and is demanding justice, while his parents have reportedly begun an indefinite hunger strike.
IIT-Bombay denies that Wakode made a caste-harassment complaint to the institute, and Rahul Gandhi has spoken with his parents.
- Who
- Sahil Wakode, his family, IIT-Bombay officials, a professor, the Mumbai Crime Branch and Rahul Gandhi are connected to the reported developments.
- What
- The Mumbai Crime Branch is investigating Wakode’s death while reviewing examination-hall CCTV and allegations of caste-based harassment.
- When
- The reports describe latest developments but do not provide a specific date.
- Where
- The CCTV was recorded in an IIT-Bombay examination hall, while the investigation is being conducted by the Mumbai Crime Branch.
- Why
- Investigators are reconstructing the events surrounding Wakode’s death; his family is seeking justice over alleged caste-based harassment.
Family’s Allegations and Demand for Justice
Institute’s Response and Investigative Position
Caste-based harassment complaint
Family’s Allegations and Demand for Justice
Wakode’s family alleges that caste-based harassment was connected to his death and is demanding justice, with the case bringing the SC/ST Act into focus.
Institute’s Response and Investigative Position
IIT-Bombay denies that Wakode made a caste-harassment complaint to the institute.
Meaning of the CCTV footage
Family’s Allegations and Demand for Justice
The family’s broader allegations remain part of the controversy, and the footage is being considered alongside the circumstances surrounding Wakode’s death.
Institute’s Response and Investigative Position
The footage reportedly shows Wakode using or looking at a phone, being approached and questioned by a professor, and then leaving; authorities are still determining what the sequence proves.
Professor’s role
Family’s Allegations and Demand for Justice
The professor’s interaction with Wakode is among the questions raised by the family’s demand for a full investigation.
Institute’s Response and Investigative Position
The reports do not establish wrongdoing by the professor; investigators are examining the interaction and what happened afterward.
- Student
- Sahil Wakode
- Institution
- IIT-Bombay
- Evidence under review
- Examination-hall CCTV, phone data and witness statements
- Investigating agency
- Mumbai Crime Branch
- Family’s allegation
- Caste-based harassment
- Institute’s position
- IIT-Bombay denies that Wakode made a related complaint to the institute
- Family’s action
- Wakode’s parents have reportedly begun an indefinite hunger strike
- Political contact
- Rahul Gandhi reportedly spoke with Wakode’s parents
