[REVISION HISTORY]

IIT Bombay student death and discrimination investigation

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2026-10-15 06:41 UTC → 2026-10-18 02:24 UTC · added ~~removed~~

The investigation into the death of 22-year-old Sahil Wakode, an Energy Science and Engineering student at IIT Bombay, has intensified. The Mumbai Crime Branch has recorded statements from approximately 60 individuals, including fellow students, hostel staff, professors, and Wakode’s parents, to investigate allegations of abetment to suicide and caste-based discrimination. New details have emerged regarding the incident that preceded Wakode’s death on September 18. It is reported that Wakode submitted a written apology to the institute after being caught using ChatGPT during a mid-semester thermodynamics examination, in which he admitted to the mistake and cited inadequate preparation. Professor Suryanarayan Doolla, who was removed from his position as Dean of Administrative Affairs, underwent an interrogation lasting eight to ten hours. Doolla, who has been charged with abetment of suicide following allegations from Wakode’s parents regarding caste-based harassment, denied all allegations of using derogatory language, maintaining that he followed all institutional guidelines. CCTV footage reportedly shows Doolla pulling Wakode aside during an examination. In response, IIT Bombay is drafting new disciplinary rules for examination malpractice to increase ~~transparency, ensuring students accused of cheating have a formal opportunity to explain their side.~~ transparency. The ~~institute’s Senate is~~ institute has also ~~reviewing a 2026 provision~~ updated its anti-discrimination guidelines, stating that inquiries regarding ~~academic suspensions for unauthorized electronic device use, considering whether to revert to 2015 guidelines.~~ a classmate’s caste, admission category, or entrance exam rank are inappropriate. Social and political pressure remains high. Wakode’s parents have continued their protest, ~~and students have initiated~~ including a hunger strike ~~demanding an independent investigation~~ at Azad Maidan. Students and ~~the resignation of Director Shireesh Kedare. Prakash Ambedkar, president~~ research scholars have held demonstrations, with some displaying photographs of ~~the Vanchit Bahujan Aghadi,~~ Dalit and Adivasi students who died by suicide on Indian campuses. The All India Independent Scheduled Castes Association (AIISCA) has ~~criticized the~~ warned that protests will continue until those responsible are imprisoned, specifically demanding that Doolla be permanently expelled rather than just relieved of his dean duties. Protesters have reported instances of police ~~investigation as “disappointing.” On October 14, Mumbai Police detained Ambedkarite leaders~~ detaining and ~~civil society representatives who gathered outside the campus under the ‘Chalo IIT Bombay’ call.~~ assaulting demonstrators.

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