# IIT Bombay student death and discrimination investigation > Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/iit-bombay-student-death-and-discrimination-investigation > Updated: 2026-09-21T05:43:38.000Z. Sources: 58. Developments: 2. The death of Sahil Wakode, a 22-year-old BTech student at IIT Bombay, has triggered investigations into allegations of caste-based discrimination and academic disciplinary procedures. Wakode was found dead in his hostel room on September 18, 2026, following an incident where he was allegedly caught using a smartphone and ChatGPT to upload an exam paper. While the institute initially stated that no disciplinary action was taken and that the student had been counselled, the student’s family filed a formal complaint alleging he had faced mental harassment and caste-based discrimination from faculty for several months. Consequently, the Mumbai Police registered an FIR against Professor Suryanarayana Doolla and other officials for abetment to suicide and violations of the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act. The investigation has since been transferred to the Mumbai Police Crime Branch. As the investigation progresses, the Crime Branch is conducting a technical analysis of Wakode’s mobile phone to search for digital evidence or a suicide note, as none was found at the scene. In response to the tragedy and subsequent campus unrest, IIT Bombay has suspended Professor Suryanarayana Doolla from his position as Dean of Student Affairs. The institute also issued an apology, stating it was “inappropriate to characterize the circumstances of the death” before the official investigation was complete. While social media reports suggested the resignation of Director Prof. Shireesh Kedare, the institute categorically denied these claims, though Kedare indicated he would follow formal processes regarding his position following a meeting with the Board of Governors. Following intense student protests, Director Shireesh Kedare met with protesters and signed an 18-point charter. These demands include an independent inquiry, public apologies for perceived defamatory statements, and improved campus mental health resources. ## Claims - Sahil Wakode's parents allege he faced caste-based and mental harassment by faculty members. (disputed by 10 sources) - IIT Bombay denied allegations of caste discrimination and stated the student had not filed a complaint with the institute's SC/ST cell. (disputed by 3 sources) - IIT Bombay issued an apology for previous communications regarding the circumstances of the student's death. (corroborated by 16 sources) - Professor Suryanarayana Doolla has been suspended from his position as Dean with immediate effect. (corroborated by 12 sources) - Police registered a case including allegations of abetment of suicide and violations of the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act. (corroborated by 11 sources) - The Mumbai Crime Branch has taken over the investigation into the death of Sahil Wakode. (corroborated by 10 sources) - Following student protests, Director Shireesh Kedare signed an 18-point charter addressing demands. (corroborated by 8 sources) - IIT Bombay refuted reports claiming that its Director, Shireesh B. Kedare, had resigned. (corroborated by 6 sources) - Investigators are analyzing the student's mobile phone for digital evidence as no suicide note was found in the hostel room. (corroborated by 5 sources) - This incident marks the third suicide on the IIT Bombay campus within a seven-month period. (corroborated by 3 sources) ## Timeline ### 2026-09-21: IIT Bombay suspends Dean amid student suicide investigation Following the suicide of student Sahil Wakode at IIT Bombay, the Mumbai Crime Branch has launched an investigation into alleged caste-based harassment. Professor Suryanarayana Doolla has been suspended. 25 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/iit-bombay-student-death-investigation-transferred-to-mumbai-crime-branch ### 2026-09-18: IIT Bombay student suicide sparks investigation into caste discrimination An IIT Bombay student's suicide following a ChatGPT-related exam incident has sparked protests and a police investigation into alleged caste-based discrimination and harassment by faculty. 50 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/iit-bombay-student-dies-by-suicide-following-exam-cheating-allegations --- Cite as: IIT Bombay student death and discrimination investigation. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/iit-bombay-student-death-and-discrimination-investigation