The grandmother of IIT Bombay student Sahil Wakode has broken down while speaking about the death of her grandson, saying the family is struggling to accept that the 22-year-old is no more.
Sahil, a second-year BTech student at IIT Bombay, was found dead in his hostel room on September 18. His grandmother, Shyamlata Tayade, told NDTV that the family cannot reconcile his death with the young man they knew.
‘Our child cannot die by suicide’
Speaking to NDTV, Shyamlata recalled Sahil as a hardworking and bright student who had overcome difficulties to secure admission to one of India’s premier educational institutions.
She said the family had great hopes for him and described his determination to pursue education and build a successful future. Sahil reportedly admired former President APJ Abdul Kalam and wanted to inspire children in his village through his achievements.
His grandmother said the family wants answers about what happened to him and has sought a transparent investigation into his death.
Family seeks answers
Sahil’s death has triggered protests at IIT Bombay, with students raising concerns over the circumstances surrounding the case and institutional processes.
The family has also sought a CBI inquiry and alleged that Sahil faced caste-based discrimination and harassment. These allegations are being examined as part of the ongoing investigation.
The Mumbai Crime Branch is investigating the case following a complaint by Sahil’s parents. IIT Bombay has said that Sahil had allegedly been caught using a mobile phone during a mid-semester examination and had uploaded the question paper to ChatGPT for answers. The institute has maintained that no formal disciplinary action had been initiated against him.
As the investigation continues, Sahil’s grandmother’s emotional appeal reflects the family’s grief and their demand for clarity over the circumstances surrounding his death.