Sahil Wakode Suicide Case: Mumbai Crime Branch Takes Over IIT Bombay Probe, SC/ST Act Invoked
Parents of IIT Bombay student Sahil Wakode, who died on Friday, have alleged caste-based discrimination and pressure on campus. An FIR has been registered and the probe moved to the Mumbai Crime Branch. The institute says it will 'cooperate fully' with authorities.
The parents of Sahil Wakode, the second-year IIT Bombay student who died by suicide in his hostel on Friday, have alleged caste-based discrimination and pressure on the campus, police said on Saturday. An FIR has been registered on their complaint, and the investigation has now been transferred to the Mumbai Crime Branch, to be led by an officer of assistant commissioner of police (ACP) rank. The case has also set off a wider student protest at the institute, with questions being raised about academic pressure and examination rules.
Sahil Wakode was found dead in his hostel on Friday after he was allegedly caught cheating during an examination, reports said. Police said no suicide note was found at the spot. According to a statement from IIT Bombay, the student had allegedly uploaded the examination question paper to ChatGPT to seek answers during the exam. The institute added that no disciplinary action was taken against him. IIT Bombay Student Suicide Case: Mumbai Crime Branch Takes Over Probe After Parents Refuse To Claim Body.
FIR Registered Against Institute Officials
The FIR, registered on the complaint of Sahil Wakode's parents, names institute officials, including former dean of student affairs Suryanarayan Dulla and others. It invokes Section 108 (abetment of suicide) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), along with provisions of the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act.
Parents Say Son Spoke of Discrimination
Police cited the parents as saying Sahil had earlier told them about discrimination and difficulties he faced on the campus. They said they had advised him to stay patient and told him his future would improve once he completed his course. IIT Bombay Student Sahil Wakode Warned of 1-Year Suspension for Using ChatGPT in Exam? What Institute Said.
SC/ST Cell Says No Complaint Was Received
The institute's SC/ST Students and Staff Cell said Sahil Wakode had not lodged any complaint relating to caste-based discrimination with it.
Parents Protest at Campus, Investigation Shifted
The parents have been protesting at the campus since Saturday morning, demanding action. Police said they were taken to Rajawadi Hospital in Ghatkopar around 1.30 pm, where Sahil's body was kept, but initially refused to claim it. They eventually did so after a thorough investigation was promised. Hours into the protest, police agreed to hand the case to the Crime Branch and assured the family of a thorough probe, officers said.
Students Continue Protest on Campus
Students began protesting late on Friday night over Sahil Wakode's death and continued through Saturday, raising concerns over academic pressure and examination rules at the institute.
'Will Cooperate Fully,' Says Institute
In a statement, IIT Bombay said, "The police have registered a case and the matter is under investigation. IIT Bombay will cooperate fully with the authorities and request everyone to respect the family's privacy. We ask that people refrain from speculation as the investigation proceeds."
(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Sep 20, 2026 09:15 AM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).