IIT Bombay Student Suicide: CCTV Shows Sahil Wakode Being Asked To Leave Exam Hall
Newly surfaced CCTV footage shows 22-year-old IIT Bombay student Sahil Wakode being questioned and escorted out of an examination hall shortly before he was found dead in his hostel room on September 18.
Fresh CCTV footage from IIT Bombay has emerged in the investigation into the death of 22-year-old student Sahil Ravindra Wakode, showing him being questioned and subsequently taken out of an examination hall shortly before he returned to his hostel room. The Mumbai Crime Branch is examining footage from the exam hall, campus and hostel to reconstruct the sequence of events on September 18, India Today reported.
CCTV Captures Events Inside Examination Hall
According to the investigation details reported on Tuesday, CCTV cameras recorded Sahil's movements inside the examination hall between approximately 12:30 pm and 12:45 pm, when the examination was nearing its end. Sahil Wakode Suicide Case: IIT Bombay Apologises, Professor Suryanarayana Doolla Suspended.
The footage reportedly shows Sahil bending down and looking at something in his pocket. A professor then questioned him and took him aside from the other students before he was asked to leave the examination hall. The footage is now being examined by the Crime Branch as investigators work to establish what happened during and immediately after the examination.
Sahil Reached Hostel Around 1:25 PM
Police are also reviewing CCTV recordings from different parts of the IIT Bombay campus to track Sahil's movements after he left the examination hall. According to the Crime Branch, Sahil reached his hostel room at around 1:25 pm. Investigators are examining the available footage to establish the sequence between his departure from the exam venue and his return to the hostel. Sahil Wakode Suicide Case: IIT Bombay Faculty Backs Professor Suryanarayana Doolla.
Sahil, a second-year BTech student in the Department of Energy Science and Engineering, was later found dead in his hostel room on September 18.
Examination Incident Under Investigation
The examination incident has become a central part of the wider investigation. IIT Bombay had earlier said Sahil was found using a mobile phone during the examination and alleged that he had uploaded the question paper to ChatGPT to seek answers.
The institute subsequently apologised for its earlier communication, saying that it was inappropriate to characterise the circumstances surrounding Sahil's death before they had been established through investigation.
The institute also said that no disciplinary action had been initiated against Sahil at the time and that he had been counselled by the instructor, faculty adviser and department head.
Family Alleges Caste-Based Harassment
Sahil's family has alleged caste-based harassment and has sought a thorough investigation, including a CBI probe. Mumbai Police registered a case following the family's complaint, including provisions of the SC/ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, and the investigation was later transferred to the Crime Branch.
The allegations remain part of the investigation and have not been established. IIT Bombay has denied that Sahil had made a complaint of caste discrimination to the institute's SC/ST cell or administration.
Protests Continue on IIT Bombay Campus
Sahil's death has triggered protests and counter-protests on the campus, with students raising concerns about institutional processes, disciplinary procedures and student welfare. The student representatives have submitted an 18-point charter to IIT Bombay Director Shireesh Kedare. The demands include an independent investigation, changes to disciplinary procedures, greater student representation and improvements to counselling and mental-health services.
The students have sought an interim report by September 30 and a final report by October 15.
Crime Branch Examines CCTV Evidence
The Mumbai Crime Branch is continuing to examine CCTV footage covering the examination hall, campus and hostel. The objective is to establish a detailed timeline of Sahil's movements and the events preceding his death. The investigation remains ongoing, and authorities have yet to establish the circumstances that led to Sahil's death.
Suicide Prevention and Mental Health Helpline Numbers:
Tele Manas (Ministry of Health) – 14416 or 1800 891 4416; NIMHANS – + 91 80 26995000 /5100 /5200 /5300 /5400; Peak Mind – 080-456 87786; Vandrevala Foundation – 9999 666 555; Arpita Suicide Prevention Helpline – 080-23655557; iCALL – 022-25521111 and 9152987821; COOJ Mental Health Foundation (COOJ) – 0832-2252525.
(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Sep 22, 2026 03:35 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).
