Union Minister of State for Social Justice and Empowerment Ramdas Athawale has called for a thorough investigation into the death by suicide of IIT Bombay student Sahil Wakode. Athawale made the remarks on September 25 after visiting the institute and meeting its director and senior officials.
The minister said the circumstances surrounding Wakode’s death needed detailed examination and that action should follow if the investigation establishes responsibility. The student died on September 18, hours after an incident during a mid-semester examination.
Athawale seeks detailed investigation
Athawale said the death of an IIT student required a serious investigation into the circumstances that preceded it. He also raised questions about whether the student had faced humiliation or pressure before his death.
The minister said he would communicate his concerns to Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan and seek an independent investigation into the matter. He also met IIT Bombay Director Shireesh Kedare and other senior officials during his visit.
Athawale’s remarks came amid demands from the student’s family for accountability. Sahil’s parents have alleged that their son faced caste-based discrimination on campus and have sought a fast-tracked investigation into his death.
Student died after examination incident
Sahil Wakode, a second-year BTech student in the Department of Energy Science and Engineering, died on September 18 after he was allegedly caught using a mobile phone during an examination.
Reports said the student had allegedly uploaded the examination question paper to ChatGPT while attempting to obtain answers. After the incident, he was taken out of the examination hall and counselled by faculty members.
IIT Bombay has said that no disciplinary action had been initiated against Wakode. The institute also said he had been counselled and assured that the incident would not adversely affect his academic career.
The student was later found dead in his hostel room.
Family alleges caste discrimination
Wakode’s parents, Ravindra and Sonali Wakode, have alleged that their son faced caste-based discrimination at IIT Bombay. They have demanded a speedy investigation, accountability and action against people they believe were responsible for the circumstances leading to his death.
The parents began a hunger strike at Azad Maidan in Mumbai on September 24, seeking justice for their son. Their allegations are part of the ongoing investigation and have not been established by a court.
An FIR filed after the family’s complaint names faculty member Suryanarayan Doolla, the IIT Bombay director and other officials. The complaint includes allegations of abetment to suicide and caste discrimination. The allegations remain under investigation.
Mumbai Crime Branch investigates case
The Mumbai Crime Branch is conducting the police investigation into Wakode’s death. Investigators have been examining CCTV footage from the examination hall and other parts of the campus to reconstruct the student’s movements before his death.
Police have also recorded statements from students and staff members. As of September 25, investigators had recorded statements from 20 people and were attempting to access data from Wakode’s mobile phone.
The investigation is examining different aspects of the case, including what happened during the examination and the events that followed.
IIT Bombay sets up 10-member panel
Alongside the police investigation, IIT Bombay has appointed a 10-member committee to examine the circumstances surrounding Wakode’s death.
The committee was constituted by the institute’s Board of Governors and includes students and a psychiatrist. It has been asked to examine the circumstances of the death as well as concerns raised by the student’s family.
The institute has also placed faculty member Suryanarayan Doolla on leave. Doolla has been named in the FIR filed by Wakode’s father. The decision is intended to facilitate an impartial investigation while the case remains under examination.
Athawale raises wider concerns
During his visit, Athawale also raised broader concerns about student safety and possible caste discrimination at IIT Bombay.
According to reports, he noted that several student deaths had occurred at the institute in recent years and said the question of discrimination should also be examined. He called for an investigation that considers all relevant aspects rather than focusing only on the examination incident.
The minister’s intervention comes as students, faculty members and the family continue to seek clarity over the events that preceded Wakode’s death.
Investigation to establish circumstances
The police investigation and IIT Bombay’s internal inquiry are now examining the circumstances surrounding the student’s death. The two processes are expected to consider evidence from CCTV footage, witness statements, digital devices and other available material.
The allegations of caste discrimination, the examination incident and the interactions between Wakode and institute officials will need to be assessed through the ongoing investigations.
For now, there is no final finding establishing what caused Wakode to take his own life or whether any individual or institution bears legal responsibility. Athawale’s call for a thorough probe adds to the demands for a detailed examination of the case.