IIT Bombay Student Sahil Wakode Death Probe: Friend Recalls Final Call, Police Examine Exam Incident

The Mumbai Crime Branch is examining the final hours of IIT Bombay student Sahil Wakode, with investigators recording statements from his friends, classmates and institute staff as they work to reconstruct the circumstances preceding his death.

One of Wakode's friends, among those who last spoke with him on the phone, told police investigators that during the conversation the 22-year-old talked about his Thermodynamics exam. Wakode was said to be concerned about his performance and wanted to perform well.

It is also alleged that the friend told police that Wakode admitted he had cheated in the examination and apologized for it. The claim is still part of the investigation process and has not been independently verified.

So far, police have taken statements from 20 individuals, including students that were present during the exam, invigilators and administrative officials.

Investigators are also looking at Wakode's phone records, along with what he talked about with people who he talked to before his death. He has had his mobile phone secured and forensic teams are investigating him mobile phone. Police are also investigating whether the police missed call notifications and other information available were helpful in creating a timeline.

CCTV footage from the examination hall, campus and hostel is being examined to track Wakode’s movements and determine what happened after he left the examination room.

What Happened During The September 18 Exam?

Wakode a second-year student in IIT Bombay’s Department of Energy Science and Engineering, left the examination hall on September 18 after an incident involving his mobile phone.

Earlier, IIT Bombay had said that he was caught using ChatGPT during the examination. CCTV footage later accessed by India Today showed Wakode using a mobile phone while the exam was underway, after which Professor Suryanarayana Doolla approached him and escorted him out of the examination hall.

The footage establishes what occurred inside the examination room but does not by itself establish what happened after Wakode left the hall.

Wakode was subsequently found dead in his hostel room later that day.

Parents Allege Caste-Based Discrimination

Wakode’s parents have alleged that their son faced caste-based discrimination and harassment at IIT Bombay. Their complaint led to an FIR naming Professor Suryanarayana Doolla in connection with an allegation of abetment to suicide on caste-discrimination grounds.

Doolla has been sent on leave while the investigation continues.

IIT Bombay has denied the allegations of caste discrimination. The institute has also apologised over its earlier communication linking Wakode’s death to the examination incident and his alleged use of ChatGPT.

The competing claims are now part of the police investigation, and no conclusion has been reached on whether caste-related allegations, the examination incident or any other factor contributed to Wakode’s death.

Police Probe Continues

The Crime Branch took over the investigation on September 19. Investigators are examining witness statements, CCTV recordings, phone data and other electronic evidence to establish a detailed sequence of events.

Wakode’s parents met Crime Branch officials on September 25. The investigation is also being conducted against the backdrop of protests by IIT Bombay students, who have sought an independent examination of the circumstances surrounding his death.

For now, police are continuing to piece together Wakode’s final hours. Investigators have yet to establish whether the examination episode or any other circumstance was directly linked to his death.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Susmita Modak

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Always love to raise the unraised matter. In a world of worries, I am always ready to come over my comfort zone and taking the step ahead of spreading awareness.

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