[CLSTR]
< Back to situation

[REVISION HISTORY]

IIT Bombay student death and discrimination investigation

Updated 3 times since CLSTR started tracking revisions of this situation.

What changed

2026-09-21 08:54 UTC → 2026-09-21 13:26 UTC · added removed

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.

Versions

  1. 2026-09-21 13:26 UTC IIT Bombay student death and discrimination investigation
  2. 2026-09-21 08:54 UTC IIT Bombay student death and discrimination investigation
  3. 2026-09-21 08:52 UTC IIT Bombay student death and discrimination investigation
  4. 2026-09-21 07:45 UTC IIT Bombay student death and discrimination investigation

Only revisions since CLSTR began indexing content versions appear here. Select a version to see what changed compared to the one before it.