Archive · 3 Oct 2026
IIT Bombay Professor Questioned in Sahil Wakode Death Case
Sahil Wakode was a 22-year-old student at IIT Bombay who was found dead in his hostel room.
Police are investigating what happened before his death.
They questioned Professor Suryanarayana Doolla for nearly 10 hours and recorded his statement.
Wakode’s father has accused the professor of caste-based abuse and filed a complaint.
These are allegations, and police are still examining the case.
Investigators have spoken to about 45 people.
They have also sent Sahil’s electronic devices to a forensic laboratory to look for information.
Sahil’s parents are demanding action and say their son faced caste discrimination.
Mumbai Crime Branch questioned IIT Bombay professor Suryanarayana Doolla for nearly 10 hours and recorded his statement.
Doolla was booked for alleged abetment of suicide after student Sahil Wakode’s father filed a complaint.
Wakode, 22, was found dead in his hostel room on September 18; police are investigating the circumstances.
Investigators have recorded about 45 statements and sent Wakode’s phones, laptop and tablet to a forensic laboratory.
Wakode’s parents allege caste discrimination and are seeking arrests; Doolla was removed as dean but has not been suspended.
- Who
- Sahil Wakode, IIT Bombay professor Suryanarayana Doolla, and the Mumbai Crime Branch.
- What
- Police recorded Doolla’s statement as part of an investigation into Wakode’s death and an allegation of abetment of suicide.
- When
- Doolla was questioned on Thursday for nearly 10 hours; Wakode was found dead on September 18.
- Where
- IIT Bombay in Mumbai; Wakode was found in his hostel room.
- Why
- Police are investigating the circumstances preceding Wakode’s death, including allegations made by his father.
Family’s allegations and demands
Investigation status and response
Alleged caste-based abuse
Family’s allegations and demands
Wakode’s father said his son described being subjected to caste-based abuse by Doolla for around three months, allegedly at the behest of IIT Bombay Director Shirish Kedare.
Investigation status and response
These are allegations reported in the father’s statement; police are examining witness statements, technical evidence and other aspects before proceeding further.
Demand for arrests
Family’s allegations and demands
Wakode’s parents allege caste discrimination and are demanding the arrest of Doolla and Kedare.
Investigation status and response
The Crime Branch has recorded statements and is investigating; the article reports no arrests and says Doolla has not been suspended.
- Student
- Sahil Wakode, 22, a second-year BTech student
- Professor questioned
- Suryanarayana Doolla
- Questioning duration
- Nearly 10 hours
- Statements recorded
- Around 45
- Forensic items
- Two mobile phones, a laptop and a tablet belonging to Wakode
- Forensic laboratory
- Forensic Science Laboratory in Kalina
- Committee
- IIT Bombay’s board formed a 10-member inquiry committee
- Professor’s role
- Removed as Dean (Administrative Affairs); not suspended, according to sources