IIT Bombay forms panel to probe student’s death

IIT Bombay on Wednesday (September 23, 2026) constituted a 10-member committee to examine the circumstances around the death of Sahil Ravindra Wakode, age 20, a student of the institute, on September 18, 2026.

The committee was set up by the institute’s Board, and an official said the panel may question Professor Suryanarayana Doolla, who has been named in the case.

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

Police probe moved to Crime Branch

The Mumbai Police have transferred the investigation into Wakode’s death to the Crime Branch.

An officer of the rank of Assistant Commissioner of Police will lead the probe, while the Deputy Commissioner of Police (Detection-I) will supervise the investigation.

The case has been registered at the Powai police station.

The transfer to the Crime Branch follows registration of charges that include abetment of suicide and Sections of the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act.

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.

The police said the probe was being conducted with diligence and impartiality, and would continue as per law.

FIR based on father’s complaint

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.

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.

This was hours after the institute’s authorities caught him using a phone to access ChatGPT during a examination pertaining to the semester.

Police caution against speculation

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.

The appeal is significant because the police have said investigators are still examining various angles and the Crime Branch has begun looking into Wakode’s movements and the events that led to his death.

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.

The report included inputs by Yohaan Varghese from Mumbai.

It was published on September 23, 2026 10:22 pm IST.

Source: The Hindu