Archive · 21 Sep 2026
IIT Bombay Student Death Sparks Dispute Over Caste Abuse Claims
Sahil Ravindra Wakode was a 22-year-old student at IIT Bombay.
He was found dead in his hostel room after an exam.
Reports say he had been caught using a phone and uploading the exam paper to ChatGPT.
His parents say he faced unfair treatment and caste-based abuse.
A close friend said he had not seen casteism affecting Sahil, but said students face heavy pressure.
Police are investigating the death and have registered a case under a law protecting Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes.
IIT Bombay apologized for describing the events before the investigation was complete.
The institute denied that its director had resigned and said a dean had been suspended.
Students and parents are protesting and demanding changes on campus.
Twenty-two-year-old IIT Bombay student Sahil Ravindra Wakode was found dead in his hostel room after allegedly using a phone and ChatGPT during a mid-semester examination.
Wakode’s parents allege institutional harassment and caste-based discrimination, while a close friend said he had not observed casteism affecting Wakode.
Mumbai Police registered an abetment-of-suicide case under the SC/ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, and the investigation was transferred to the Mumbai Crime Branch.
IIT Bombay apologized for earlier characterizing events before investigators established the facts, denied reports that its director had resigned, and confirmed Professor Suryanarayana Dulla’s suspension as dean.
Protesters presented 18 demands, including independent investigations into four campus deaths, student representation, faculty mental-health workshops, and action against officials.
- Who
- Sahil Ravindra Wakode, his parents, protesting students, IIT Bombay authorities, Professor Suryanarayana Dulla, and investigating police.
- What
- Wakode’s death has led to a police investigation, allegations of caste discrimination and institutional harassment, campus protests, and negotiations over 18 demands.
- When
- Wakode was found dead on a Friday after a mid-semester examination; the administration met protesters on Sunday night, with further demonstrations planned.
- Where
- IIT Bombay’s Powai campus in Mumbai, Maharashtra, particularly Wakode’s hostel and the institute’s main gate.
- Why
- The death followed an examination incident, while his family and protesters allege caste-based abuse and institutional harassment; those allegations remain under investigation.
Family and Protesters
IIT Bombay and Faculty Supporters
Cause and circumstances of death
Family and Protesters
Wakode’s parents and protesters allege that institutional harassment and caste-based discrimination contributed to his death; the parents named Professor Suryanarayana Dulla in their complaint.
IIT Bombay and Faculty Supporters
IIT Bombay says caste discrimination had not been reported to the institute or its SC/ST Cell, while Wakode’s close friend said he did not believe casteism was an issue.
Response to the examination incident
Family and Protesters
Protesters are questioning how Wakode was treated after allegedly being caught with a phone and using ChatGPT, and are demanding accountability from officials and professors.
IIT Bombay and Faculty Supporters
The IIT Bombay Faculty Forum says the invigilator followed institutional protocol after finding Wakode in unauthorized possession and use of a smartphone.
Institutional reforms and accountability
Family and Protesters
Protesters demand student representation, independent investigations into four campus deaths, faculty mental-health workshops, and the resignation or removal of officials they hold responsible.
IIT Bombay and Faculty Supporters
The administration met protesters to consider the 18 demands, apologized for its earlier communication, and said the investigation should establish the facts.
- Student
- Sahil Ravindra Wakode, 22, a second-year BTech student from Maharashtra’s Yavatmal
- Examination incident
- He was allegedly caught using a mobile phone and uploading the examination paper to ChatGPT during a mid-semester exam
- Family allegation
- His parents allege institutional harassment and caste-based discrimination and named Professor Suryanarayana Dulla in their complaint
- Police case
- Mumbai Police registered an abetment-of-suicide case and invoked the SC/ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, 1989
- Investigation
- The case was transferred to the Mumbai Crime Branch
- Institute response
- IIT Bombay apologized for earlier statements about the circumstances of the death and said those details remained subject to investigation
- Protest demands
- Students and parents submitted 18 demands, including independent investigations, student representation, and mental-health workshops for faculty
