Archive · 23 Sep 2026
Mumbai Police Urge No Speculation in IIT Bombay Student Death
Mumbai Police are investigating the death of IIT Bombay student Sahil Wakode.
He was found hanging in his hostel room on September 18.
Reports say this happened after he was allegedly caught using a phone during a mid-semester examination.
Police say the investigation is fair and that they are checking every possible explanation.
They asked people not to spread rumors or make quick judgments.
Investigators are trying to unlock Sahil’s iPhone because it may provide information about claims involving ChatGPT.
Police also plan to question some students.
Professor Suryanarayana Doolla has been sent on leave while serious allegations against him are investigated.
Mumbai Police said the Crime Branch is conducting an impartial investigation into Sahil Wakode’s death and examining all possible angles.
Wakode was found hanging in his IIT Bombay hostel room on September 18, hours after allegedly being caught using a phone during an examination.
Police urged the public and media to avoid speculation, misinformation and premature conclusions, and to rely on official channels.
Investigators are trying to unlock Wakode’s iPhone, which police said could clarify allegations involving ChatGPT; student statements are also expected.
Professor Suryanarayana Doolla has been sent on leave and faces allegations including abetment to suicide and caste-based discrimination, while Wakode’s parents have sought action against Doolla and IIT Bombay Director Shirish Kedare.
- Who
- Sahil Ravindra Wakode, an IIT Bombay student; Mumbai Police; Professor Suryanarayana Doolla; and IIT Bombay Director Shirish Kedare, who was named in demands by Wakode’s parents.
- What
- A Crime Branch investigation is examining Wakode’s death and allegations including abetment to suicide and caste-based discrimination.
- When
- Wakode was found hanging on the evening of September 18; Mumbai Police issued its appeal on Wednesday.
- Where
- Wakode was found in his hostel room on IIT Bombay’s Powai campus in Mumbai.
- 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 inquiry is being conducted diligently and impartially, with all possible angles examined, and has urged the public to rely on official information.
Reported Allegations and Unresolved Questions
Wakode’s parents have said he told them about caste-based slurs and have demanded action against IIT Bombay officials; these allegations remain under investigation.
Phone and ChatGPT claims
Police and Institutional Position
Police says unlocking Wakode’s iPhone may provide clarity about allegations that ChatGPT was involved and is seeking technical assistance to access it.
Reported Allegations and Unresolved Questions
The institute later withdrew from providing a detailed characterization of the alleged phone and artificial-intelligence use, saying the matter was under investigation.
Professor’s role
Police and Institutional Position
Doolla reportedly served as an examination invigilator and reported the alleged phone use to institute authorities 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. Wakode’s parents have also demanded the arrest of IIT Bombay Director Shirish Kedare.
- Student
- Sahil Ravindra Wakode, described in the reports as a second-year B.Tech student in Energy Science and Engineering.
- Reported age
- One report identified Wakode as 20; another identified him as 22.
- Investigation agency
- The case was transferred from Powai Police Station to the Mumbai Crime Branch.
- Case number
- DCB CID C.R. No. 124/2026.
- Police supervision
- An ACP-rank officer is leading the investigation under the supervision of DCP Detection-I, Crime Branch.
- Key evidence hurdle
- Police said Wakode’s iPhone has not yet been unlocked and may clarify the ChatGPT-related allegations.
- Professor’s status
- Suryanarayana Doolla has been sent on leave while allegations against him are investigated.
