The IIT Bombay campus has experienced significant turmoil following the tragic death of Sahil Ravindra Wakode, a second-year BTech student who was found dead in his hostel room. In response to mounting pressure and student protests, the institute issued an official apology for what it termed inappropriate and premature statements regarding the circumstances leading up to the incident.
The controversy erupted after Wakode was allegedly caught using a mobile phone and ChatGPT during a mid-semester examination. Following his death, protesters and the student’s family claimed he was subjected to institutional harassment and caste-based discrimination, leading to a case filed under the SC/ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act. The protests also targeted exam invigilator Suryanarayana Doolla, who was subsequently removed as the dean of student welfare. The IIT Bombay Faculty Forum expressed solidarity with the professor, stating he was simply following institutional protocol regarding unauthorized smartphone usage during exams.
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Amid conflicting reports, the institute firmly denied rumors that IIT Bombay Director Shirish Kedar had resigned, clarifying that such news is completely false. Officials have since met with protesting students to address their 18-point charter of demands, which includes student representation in academic committees, mental health workshops for faculty, and independent investigations into campus suicides.
The Mumbai Crime Branch has taken over the ongoing investigation to uncover any digital evidence and review the events preceding the tragedy. As authorities look into the matter, campus stakeholders hope that dialogue between the administration and students will pave the way for a constructive resolution and essential mental health reforms.
