2 hrs ago
IIT Bombay Suicide Probe Moves Amid Caste Harassment Claims
Sahil Wakode was a 22-year-old student at IIT Bombay.
He allegedly died by suicide in his hostel room on September 18.
His father said a professor had used caste-based insults and mentally harassed Sahil for several months.
He also said the professor threatened to falsely involve Sahil in a case.
Police registered a case against the professor and other concerned institute officials.
The investigation was moved to the Mumbai Crime Branch.
IIT Bombay gave a different account of what happened after an exam incident involving a mobile phone and ChatGPT.
The institute said staff counselled Sahil and told him the incident would not harm his studies.
Students and the family are asking for accountability and a transparent investigation.
Sahil Wakode, a 22-year-old second-year BTech student, allegedly died by suicide in his hostel room on September 18, 2026.
His father accused Professor Suryanarayan Dulla of caste-based slurs, mental harassment and threats to falsely implicate Sahil.
Powai Police registered an FIR against Dulla and other concerned IIT officials under provisions of the SC/ST Act and Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita.
The investigation was transferred to the Mumbai Crime Branch after demands from Sahil’s family and amid campus protests.
IIT Bombay said Sahil had been counselled after allegedly using a phone during an exam and that no disciplinary action had been initiated.
- Who
- Sahil Wakode, his father Ravindra Vakode, Professor Suryanarayan Dulla, IIT Bombay officials, students and the Mumbai Crime Branch.
- What
- A student’s alleged suicide is being investigated alongside accusations of caste-based harassment, threats and possible institutional negligence.
- Where
- IIT Bombay in Powai, Mumbai, including Sahil’s hostel and an examination hall.
- When
- Sahil allegedly died on September 18, 2026; the FIR was registered and the investigation transferred on September 19.
- Why
- The probe followed the father’s complaint alleging caste-based abuse and mental harassment, as well as questions about events after Sahil was allegedly caught using a phone during an examination.
Family and Student Concerns
IIT Bombay’s Account
Treatment of Sahil
Family and Student Concerns
Sahil’s father alleged that Professor Suryanarayan Dulla subjected his son to caste-based abuse and mental harassment for about three months. A classmate also alleged that casteist slurs were used during the examination. These allegations have not been independently established.
IIT Bombay’s Account
IIT Bombay said the instructor, faculty adviser and Head of Department counselled Sahil after the examination incident and assured him that it would not adversely affect his academic career.
Examination incident
Family and Student Concerns
Some students questioned how Sahil could have brought a phone into the examination hall given the stated security checks. Another student questioned the institute’s claim that no disciplinary action had begun, citing alleged academic rules involving an FR grade and one-semester suspension.
IIT Bombay’s Account
IIT Bombay said Sahil was caught using a mobile phone and had uploaded the examination question paper to ChatGPT to seek answers. The institute maintained that no disciplinary action had been initiated.
Need for accountability
Family and Student Concerns
Sahil’s family demanded the accused’s arrest, independent monitoring and a transparent investigation. Students also called for accountability and questioned aspects of the institute’s account.
IIT Bombay’s Account
Police said the Mumbai Crime Branch would investigate both the allegations and the circumstances surrounding Sahil’s death. IIT Bombay said the circumstances were being examined by the appropriate authorities.
Key facts
- Student
- Sahil Wakode, also spelled Vakode in one report, was a 22-year-old second-year BTech student in Energy Science and Engineering.
- Family allegations
- His father alleged that Professor Suryanarayan Dulla used caste-based slurs, caused mental harassment and threatened to falsely implicate Sahil.
- FIR provisions
- The FIR cited Sections 3(1)(r) and 3(1)(s) of the Scheduled Castes and the Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, and Sections 108 and 3(5) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita.
- Investigation
- The case was transferred from Powai Police to the Mumbai Crime Branch.
- IIT Bombay’s account
- The institute said Sahil allegedly used a mobile phone during an examination and uploaded the question paper to ChatGPT, but that no disciplinary action had been initiated.
- Campus response
- Students protested and questioned the institute’s account, including its statements about examination security and disciplinary action.
- Family demands
- The family sought an immediate arrest, Crime Branch monitoring, senior police supervision, compensation, a fast-track trial and a special public prosecutor if needed.
Quotes
An anonymous IIT Bombay student
A student questioning the institute’s account of phone security during examinations
“The entry to the examination hall is extremely guarded. We are asked to leave our phones at the entrance, carrying only a transparent bottle and one pen.”
freepressjournal.in
“My son has been tortured. I will file a complaint. I need justice for my child.”
news18.com
Sources
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