IIT Bombay forms panel to probe student’s death

IIT Bombay on Wednesday (September 23, 2026) set up a committee with 10 members to probe the circumstances around the death of Sahil Ravindra Wakode, age 20, a student at the institute, on September 18, 2026. The institute’s Board constituted the panel. The panel may question Professor Suryanarayana Doolla, who has been named in the case, an official said.

Prof. Doolla has been sent on leave. This was to facilitate a probe without bias, sources said.

The Mumbai Police have transferred the probe into Wakode’s death to the Crime Branch. An officer of the rank of Assistant Commissioner of Police will lead the probe. Deputy Commissioner of Police (Detection-I) will supervise the investigation. The case has been registered at the Powai police station.

On Monday (September 21, 2026), Mr. Doolla was removed as Dean, Administrative Affairs, following protests over Wakode’s death

Wakode was a second-year B.Tech. student in the Department of Energy Science and Engineering. The police found his body in his hostel room on the evening of September 18, 2026, hours after the institute’s authorities caught him using a phone to access ChatGPT during a examination pertaining to the semester.

The Powai police registered a First Information Report on September 19, 2026. The FIR, which named Mr. Doolla, was based on a complaint by Ravindra Wakode, the father of the deceased student. The charges include abetment of suicide, and Sections of the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, after which the investigation was handed to the Crime Branch.

The Crime Branch has begun examining the circumstances around the death, including Sahil Wakode’s movements, and the events that led to his death. Investigators were examining various angles in the case, the police said, adding that the probe was being conducted with diligence and impartiality, and would continue as per law.

The Mumbai Police has asked the public to refrain from speculation, from spreading misinformation, and from drawing conclusions before the facts are known. It has also asked media to rely only on information released through official channels.

Classes have resumed at IIT Bombay.

Assistance for overcoming suicidal thoughts is available on the Tele-MANAS 14416 and Sneha’s suicide prevention helpline 044-24640050.

(With inputs by Yohaan Varghese from Mumbai.)