Archive · 25 Sep 2026
IIT Bombay Student Death Probe Examines Cheating Incident and Allegations
Sahil Wakode was a 22-year-old student at IIT Bombay.
Police said he was caught allegedly copying during an exam on September 18.
Later, he spoke with friends and reportedly said he was sorry about what happened.
He also said the exam and the incident had made him very upset.
He was found dead in his hostel room that evening.
Investigators have spoken with more than 25 people.
They are checking his phone, WhatsApp information, and campus security video.
His father has also made allegations of caste-based harassment, which police are investigating.
Sahil Wakode, 22, was found dead in his hostel room on September 18.
Police said he was caught allegedly copying during an examination around 12:40 p.m.
He reportedly told a female friend he regretted the incident and was distressed.
The Crime Branch has recorded statements from more than 25 people and is examining digital evidence.
Wakode’s father alleged caste-based harassment involving professor Suryanarayana Doolla, claims investigators are examining.
- Who
- Sahil Wakode, a 22-year-old IIT Bombay student; Mumbai Police Crime Branch investigators; and people interviewed in the case.
- What
- The Crime Branch is investigating Wakode’s death, the examination incident preceding it, and allegations of caste-based harassment.
- When
- September 18; police said Wakode was caught copying at about 12:40 p.m. and was found dead later that evening.
- Where
- IIT Bombay, including Wakode’s hostel room, in Mumbai; digital evidence was sent to the Kalina Forensic Science Laboratory.
- Why
- Investigators are seeking to establish the sequence of events and assess allegations made by Wakode’s family.
Police Investigation
Family Allegations
What preceded the death
Police Investigation
Police are examining statements from people who spoke with Wakode after he was allegedly caught copying and are reconstructing his final hours.
Family Allegations
Wakode’s father said his son described alleged caste-based abuse and feared being implicated in a false case.
Role of institute personnel
Police Investigation
The Crime Branch has not yet recorded Professor Suryanarayana Doolla’s statement and is reviewing digital and witness evidence.
Family Allegations
Wakode’s father alleged that Doolla acted at the behest of institute director Shirish Kedare and had abused Wakode over his caste for about three months.
- Student
- Sahil Wakode, 22
- Institution
- IIT Bombay
- Examination incident
- Police said Wakode was caught allegedly copying at around 12:40 p.m. on September 18.
- Police interviews
- More than 25 students and hostel staff members have provided statements.
- Digital evidence
- Wakode’s iPhone, WhatsApp-related information, and institute CCTV footage are being examined.
- Forensic laboratory
- The iPhone and CCTV footage were sent to the Kalina Forensic Science Laboratory.
- Named accused
- Professor Suryanarayana Doolla was named as an accused in an FIR filed after a complaint by Wakode’s father.