Archive · 19 Sep 2026
IIT Bombay Student Death Spurs Protests Over Accountability
A second-year student named Sahil Wakode died by suicide at IIT Bombay.
Reports said he was found in his hostel room on September 18, while another report described the incident as occurring on Friday.
After his death, some students protested on campus.
They asked for an independent investigation and answers from the institute.
They also called for better mental-health support and more student involvement in committees.
Some students said Wakode faced a disciplinary process after being accused of using a phone during an examination.
The institute said no disciplinary action had actually been started and that staff had counselled him.
Students and the institute also disagreed over how the examination issue had been described.
Police stayed on campus while discussions continued.
Second-year BTech student Sahil Wakode allegedly died by suicide in an IIT Bombay hostel room on September 18, described in one report as Friday.
Students demanded an independent probe into Wakode’s death and inquiries into four reported student suicides at the institute over the past year.
Protesters sought accountability, greater student representation, mental-health measures, and the resignations of the Director and Dean.
Students disputed the institute’s account of an examination-related disciplinary matter, while the institute said no disciplinary action had been initiated.
Police deployed personnel as students and administrators held talks; some protesters dispersed while others continued demonstrating.
- Who
- Sahil Wakode, a second-year BTech student; protesting students, IIT Bombay administrators and police.
- What
- Wakode allegedly died by suicide, prompting protests demanding an independent probe, accountability, transparency and mental-health measures.
- When
- September 18, according to one report; another report described the death as occurring on Friday.
- Where
- IIT Bombay in Powai, Mumbai, including a hostel room and the campus.
- Why
- Students sought answers about Wakode’s death, the institute’s disciplinary procedures and four reported student suicides over the past year.
Student Protesters
IIT Bombay Administration
Disciplinary process
Student Protesters
Students said Wakode was formally accused of cheating after allegedly using a mobile phone during an examination, was told a Disciplinary Action Committee could be formed, and faced possible suspension. They questioned the process’s transparency and student representation.
IIT Bombay Administration
The institute said no disciplinary action had been initiated. It said the instructor and Head of Department discussed the matter with Wakode, counselled him and assured him it would not harm his academic career.
Description of the examination incident
Student Protesters
Students disputed the institute’s account that Wakode was caught using ChatGPT to upload an examination question paper, saying the description did not present the complete circumstances.
IIT Bombay Administration
The institute’s cited account referred to the alleged use of ChatGPT to upload an examination question paper.
How the campus should respond
Student Protesters
Protesters called for an independent inquiry into four reported suicides, accountability from administrators, leadership resignations and broad institutional reforms.
IIT Bombay Administration
The administration said it was actively discussing students’ internal administrative concerns and working toward an amicable solution; student Ansh said the death should not become a standoff.
- Student
- Sahil Wakode, a second-year BTech student
- Reported death
- Alleged suicide in an IIT Bombay hostel room
- Student demands
- Independent inquiry, accountability, transparency and public disclosure
- Additional demands
- Student representation, mental-health measures, a suicide task force, and the Director’s and Dean’s resignations
- Disciplinary dispute
- Students said Wakode faced possible disciplinary action after an examination-related accusation; the institute said no disciplinary action was initiated
- Other requested measures
- Compensation for Wakode’s family, fee repayment, an anonymous complaint portal and a break after mid-semester examinations
- Police and talks
- Police were deployed on campus while students and administrators discussed the demands
