Mumbai, September 21, 2026 (Yes Punjab News)
The Mumbai Crime Branch has taken over the investigation into the death of IIT Bombay student Sahil Ravindra Wakode, with investigators examining his mobile phone and other digital evidence as part of efforts to establish the circumstances surrounding the incident.
Wakode, 22, was found dead in his room at Hostel No. 4 on the institute’s Powai campus on September 18. Investigators are conducting a technical analysis of his seized mobile phone to determine whether it contains any suicide note or other relevant digital evidence. No suicide note was found in the hostel room.
The Crime Branch is also inspecting the scene and examining the available evidence. Individuals named in the FIR, including Professor Suryanarayan Dula, are expected to be summoned for questioning as the investigation progresses. An ACP-rank officer is supervising the probe.
Wakode’s parents have alleged that their son faced caste-based harassment and mental harassment by faculty members in the months preceding his death. The case has been registered under Section 108 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, relating to alleged abetment of suicide, along with provisions of the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act.
The investigation comes amid protests by students and parents over academic pressure, institutional procedures and student welfare.
Wakode was allegedly caught using a mobile phone and ChatGPT during a mid-semester examination shortly before his death. However, IIT Bombay has since apologised for its earlier communication about the circumstances preceding his death.
“We apologise for the statements contained in our earlier communication concerning the circumstances surrounding the unfortunate demise of Sahil,” the institute said, adding that the details and circumstances leading up to the incident remained subject to investigation by the appropriate authorities.
IIT Bombay said it was inappropriate to characterise events preceding Wakode’s death before they had been established through the investigative process.
Meanwhile, the IIT Bombay Faculty Forum has expressed grief over Wakode’s death and extended its support to Professor Dula, the course instructor and examination invigilator.
According to the Forum, Dula observed a student allegedly committing an academic irregularity during the September 18 examination, which was held from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. The Forum said the student was allegedly in possession of a smartphone and using it without permission, following which Dula reported the matter to institute authorities in accordance with established procedures.
The Faculty Forum said Dula had acted in accordance with academic policies approved by the institute’s Senate and expressed concern over the impact of the controversy on his reputation.
The Crime Branch investigation is expected to examine the available digital and other evidence before establishing the circumstances surrounding Wakode’s death.
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