IIT Bombay denies disciplinary action was initiated against student who died by suicide

The Indian Institute of Technology Bombay has said that no disciplinary action was initiated against a second-year student who died by suicide after he was found using a mobile phone during an examination on Sep 18.

The student, Sahil Wakode, was from the Department of Energy Science and Engineering. According to IIT Bombay, he was found using a phone during the examination and had uploaded the question paper to ChatGPT to seek answers.

The institute said the matter was discussed with the student by the examination instructor and the Head of the Department. It said he was counselled and assured that the incident would not adversely affect his academic career.

Wakode subsequently returned to his hostel room, where he was later found dead, the institute said. The circumstances surrounding his death are being investigated by the authorities.

Students protest on IIT Bombay campus

The student's death was followed by protests on the IIT Bombay campus. Students demanded greater accountability from the administration and sought an independent inquiry into the circumstances surrounding his death.

Students also questioned the institute's handling of the examination incident and raised broader concerns about student welfare and mental-health support on campus.

Some students alleged that Wakode had been threatened with suspension after the examination incident. These claims had not been independently verified. IIT Bombay, meanwhile, has maintained that no disciplinary action was initiated against him.

Police register case following student's death

Mumbai Police have registered an FIR based on a complaint filed by the student's father. Reporting on the case says the investigation has been transferred to the Mumbai Police Crime Branch.

The FIR includes allegations concerning harassment and caste-based abuse. These are allegations made by the student's family and remain subject to investigation. IIT Bombay has denied caste-based discrimination in the case.

IIT Bombay said it was extending support to the student's family, friends, classmates, faculty members and others affected by the death.

The institute has also said that the circumstances surrounding the death are being examined by the appropriate authorities.