2 hrs ago
Mumbai Police Seek No Speculation in IIT Bombay Student Death
Mumbai Police are investigating the death of IIT Bombay student Sahil Ravindra Wakode.
He was found hanging in his hostel room on September 18.
Police say they are checking every possible explanation fairly.
They have asked people not to spread rumors or make early judgments.
The case has been moved to the Mumbai Crime Branch.
Investigators have not yet unlocked Sahil’s iPhone, which they say may provide important information.
Police also plan to question some students.
Professor Suryanarayana Doolla has been placed on leave while allegations against him are investigated.
Mumbai Police said Sahil Ravindra Wakode’s death investigation is impartial and examining all possible angles.
The case was transferred from Powai Police Station to the Mumbai Crime Branch.
Police said unlocking Wakode’s iPhone is a major hurdle in examining ChatGPT-related allegations.
IIT Bombay professor Suryanarayana Doolla was sent on leave during the investigation.
Doolla faces allegations including abetment to suicide and caste-based discrimination, which remain under investigation.
- Who
- Sahil Ravindra Wakode, an IIT Bombay student; Mumbai Police; and professor Suryanarayana Doolla, who has been named in connection with the case.
- What
- A Crime Branch investigation is examining Wakode’s death and allegations including abetment to suicide and caste-based discrimination.
- Where
- Wakode was found in his hostel room on IIT Bombay’s Powai campus in Mumbai.
- When
- Wakode was found hanging on the evening of September 18; police issued their statement on Wednesday.
- Why
- The investigation follows Wakode’s death, which occurred hours after he was allegedly caught using a mobile phone during a mid-semester examination.
Police and Institutional Position
Reported Allegations and Unresolved Questions
Nature of the investigation
Police and Institutional Position
Mumbai Police says the probe is being conducted diligently and impartially, with all possible angles being examined.
Reported Allegations and Unresolved Questions
Allegations connected to the death, including abetment to suicide and caste-based discrimination, remain under investigation and have not been resolved.
Mobile phone and ChatGPT claims
Police and Institutional Position
Police says unlocking Wakode’s iPhone may clarify allegations that ChatGPT was involved in the incident.
Reported Allegations and Unresolved Questions
The institute withdrew from providing a detailed characterisation of the alleged phone and artificial-intelligence use, saying the matter was under investigation.
Professor’s role
Police and Institutional Position
Doolla reportedly reported Wakode’s alleged phone use during the examination according to established procedures.
Reported Allegations and Unresolved Questions
A case has been registered against Doolla over allegations including abetment to suicide and caste-based discrimination, and he has been sent on leave.
Key facts
- Student
- Sahil Ravindra Wakode, 20, a second-year B.Tech student in Energy Science and Engineering
- Investigation agency
- Mumbai Crime Branch
- Case number
- DCB CID C.R. No. 124/2026
- Police supervision
- An ACP-rank officer is handling the investigation under the supervision of DCP Detection-I, Crime Branch
- Key hurdle
- Wakode’s iPhone has not yet been unlocked
- Professor’s status
- Suryanarayana Doolla has been sent on leave amid the investigation
- Reported allegations
- Doolla faces allegations including abetment to suicide and caste-based discrimination
Quotes
Mumbai Police officials
Officials overseeing the Mumbai Crime Branch investigation
“Mumbai Police appeals to individuals and public to refrain from speculation, spreading misinformation or drawing premature conclusions. Media is requested to follow information transmitted through official channel only. Mumbai Police remains committed to a fair and thorough investigation to ensure that justice is served.”
deccanchronicle.com
freepressjournal.in
“The investigation is being conducted diligently and impartially, exploring all possible angles.”
freepressjournal.in
Sources
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