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IIT Bombay Professor Denies Caste Harassment Allegations in Student Death Probe
Sahil Wakode was a 22-year-old student at IIT Bombay.
He was found dead in his hostel room on September 18.
Earlier that day, he had taken a mid-semester exam.
Professor Suryanarayan Doolla told investigators he saw Wakode using a phone during the exam and asked him to leave.
Doolla denies insulting or treating Wakode unfairly because of his caste.
Wakode’s father had alleged that the professor had used casteist abuse over the preceding months.
Police are speaking with people who knew or worked with Wakode.
They are also checking phone records and campus video to understand what happened.
Mumbai Crime Branch has recorded around 60 statements in its investigation into Sahil Wakode’s death.
Professor Suryanarayan Doolla denied caste-based harassment and the use of derogatory words.
Doolla told investigators he saw Wakode using a phone during an exam and asked him to leave the hall.
Wakode, 22, was found dead in his hostel room on September 18, hours after the examination incident.
Investigators are reviewing witness statements, phone data, WhatsApp information and campus CCTV footage.
- Who
- Sahil Wakode, IIT Bombay professor Suryanarayan Doolla, and the Mumbai Crime Branch.
- What
- The Crime Branch is investigating Wakode’s death and allegations of caste-based harassment, which Doolla denies.
- Where
- IIT Bombay’s campus in Powai, Mumbai.
- When
- Wakode was found dead on September 18; the report was published on October 6, 2026.
- Why
- Investigators are examining events before Wakode’s death, including an exam incident and allegations raised by his family.
Family’s allegations
Professor’s denials
Caste-based harassment
Family’s allegations
Wakode’s father alleged that his son had reported casteist abuse by Doolla over the preceding three months.
Professor’s denials
Doolla denied discriminating against Wakode or using caste-based or derogatory words, and said he treated students equally.
Examination incident
Family’s allegations
The report says the exam episode is being investigated as part of the events preceding Wakode’s death; his father’s complaint also said Wakode feared being implicated in a false case.
Professor’s denials
Doolla said he saw Wakode using a mobile phone, did not say anything to him, and handed him his paper and asked him to leave.
Key facts
- Student
- Sahil Wakode, 22, a second-year IIT Bombay student
- Date found dead
- September 18
- Professor
- Suryanarayan Doolla
- Statements recorded
- Around 60, according to the report
- Professor’s account
- He said he saw Wakode using a phone during an exam and asked him to leave the examination hall.
- Evidence under review
- Wakode’s iPhone, requested WhatsApp account information, and campus CCTV footage
- Forensic facility
- Kalina Forensic Science Laboratory
Sources
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