Mumbai: Sahil Wakode, a 22-year-old second-year BTech student at the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Bombay, died by suicide on September 18, 2026, hours after being caught using a mobile phone and ChatGPT during a mid-semester Thermodynamics examination.
According to reports, Wakode submitted a written statement to the institute after the incident. He acknowledged his mistake, apologised for the misconduct and said he had not prepared adequately for the examination. He also expressed anxiety about his performance, requested another chance and assured the authorities that he would not repeat the mistake.
The written statement has drawn attention to the circumstances surrounding the examination incident and the institute’s response. IIT Bombay initially stated that disciplinary action had not been initiated against Wakode and that faculty members had counselled him.
No prior caste complaint recorded by institute
The case took a wider turn after Wakode’s parents alleged that their son had faced caste-based harassment on campus. They claimed that Professor Suryanarayana Doolla had used casteist slurs against him and threatened him. The professor has denied the allegations.
The institute’s SC/ST Students and Staff Cell stated that Wakode had not lodged a caste discrimination complaint with the cell or the administration before his death.
The allegations made by the family remain under investigation and have not been conclusively established.
An FIR was registered against the professor under provisions relating to abetment of suicide and the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act. The Mumbai Crime Branch is investigating the case.
IIT Bombay reviews examination procedures
Following Wakode’s death, IIT Bombay reviewed its procedures for handling examination misconduct. The discussions have focused on giving students an opportunity to explain their actions and ensuring that disciplinary responses remain proportionate.
The institute has also considered measures to improve student support, including a mechanism for alerting its wellness response team when an accused student may be distressed.
The case has triggered campus protests and renewed debate over academic pressure, examination rules and mental-health support at premier educational institutions.
Investigation continues
The Mumbai Crime Branch has questioned more than 40 people, according to reports, including institute officials, the professor concerned, students, hostel staff and members of Wakode’s family. Electronic devices have also been sent for forensic examination.
No suicide note was found, according to reports. An internal committee at IIT Bombay is separately examining the institutional aspects of the incident.
While Wakode’s written statement records his apology for the examination misconduct and his request for another chance, the circumstances surrounding his death remain under investigation. The family’s caste harassment allegations must also be assessed on the basis of evidence before any final conclusion is reached.
