Archive · 23 Sep 2026
Probe Finds No Concrete Evidence Linking IIT Professor to Suicide
Sahil Ravindra Wakode, an IIT Bombay student, was found dead in his hostel room.
His family said he faced unfair treatment and caste discrimination.
They filed a legal complaint against those they believe were responsible.
Police are investigating what happened during an examination.
CCTV showed Professor Suryanarayana Doolla asking Wakode to leave the exam hall.
A friend said Wakode had been caught cheating but did not know what happened afterward.
So far, investigators say they have not found proof connecting the professor to the death.
The investigation is still continuing, and no final conclusion has been reached.
Initial Crime Branch findings found no concrete evidence linking Professor Suryanarayana Doolla to abetment of Sahil Ravindra Wakode’s suicide.
Investigators said they found no eyewitness or material confirming allegations that casteist remarks were made against Wakode.
CCTV reportedly showed Doolla removing Wakode from an exam after he was allegedly caught with a mobile phone.
Wakode’s family alleged institutional harassment and caste discrimination and filed a case under the 1989 Atrocities Act.
The investigation remains at an early stage, with CCTV and witness statements being examined.
- Who
- IIT Bombay student Sahil Ravindra Wakode, Professor Suryanarayana Doolla, Wakode’s family, and Crime Branch investigators.
- What
- The Crime Branch is investigating allegations that caste discrimination and institutional harassment contributed to Wakode’s death by suicide.
- When
- The incident occurred on an examination day; the investigation is ongoing.
- Where
- The incident and investigation concern the IIT Bombay campus in Mumbai, including an examination hall and hostel.
- Why
- Wakode’s family alleged caste-based discrimination and harassment, while investigators are reconstructing events surrounding an exam in which he was allegedly caught cheating.
Family’s Allegations
Investigation Findings
Caste discrimination and harassment
Family’s Allegations
Wakode’s family alleged that institutional harassment and caste-based discrimination contributed to his death and filed a case under the 1989 Atrocities Act.
Investigation Findings
Investigators said they had not found eyewitness or material evidence confirming that casteist remarks were made, although the allegation remains under examination.
Events during the examination
Family’s Allegations
The family’s allegations focus on what happened to Wakode after he was removed from the examination hall.
Investigation Findings
CCTV and witness statements indicate that Doolla asked Wakode to leave after he was allegedly caught with a mobile phone; a friend also said Wakode was caught cheating.
Professor’s responsibility
Family’s Allegations
The family’s complaint alleges that conduct at the institute contributed to Wakode’s death.
Investigation Findings
Initial findings have found no concrete evidence linking Doolla to abetment of suicide, and the professor stepped down as dean of students welfare to ensure a fair investigation.
- Student
- Sahil Ravindra Wakode, a second-year BTech student
- Institute
- IIT Bombay
- Professor
- Suryanarayana Doolla, the exam invigilator and former dean of students welfare
- Investigation status
- No concrete evidence has so far linked Doolla to abetment of suicide, but no final conclusion has been reached
- CCTV evidence
- Footage showed Wakode leaving the exam hall and walking to his hostel room
- Legal complaint
- Wakode’s family filed a case under the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, 1989
- Current status
- The Crime Branch is examining CCTV footage, witness statements, and other evidence