Mumbai: The mother of IIT Bombay student Sahil Wakode, who died by suicide hours after he was caught using a mobile phone during an examination, has alleged that her son was severely harassed and claimed that his death was caused by the treatment he received.

“My son has been killed. He was severely harassed. I want justice,” Wakode’s mother told reporters after meeting the police. Her allegations come as Mumbai Police have registered an abetment-of-suicide case following a complaint filed by the student’s father. Police said several people named in the complaint are being investigated for their alleged roles.

Wakode, a second-year student of the Department of Energy Science and Engineering at IIT Bombay, was found dead in his hostel room on the institute’s Powai campus on Friday evening.

The circumstances surrounding his death remain under investigation, with the family’s allegations and IIT Bombay’s account differing on what happened after he was caught using a phone during the examination.

What happened during the examination

According to IIT Bombay, Wakode was found using a mobile phone in the examination hall earlier on Friday. The institute said he had uploaded the examination question paper on ChatGPT to seek answers.

The institute said the incident was discussed with Wakode by the instructor and the Head of the Department. IIT Bombay maintained that no disciplinary action had been initiated against him and that he was counselled and assured that the incident would not adversely affect his academic career.

Wakode subsequently returned to his hostel room. He was later found dead there.

The institute said the circumstances surrounding the death were being examined by the appropriate authorities.

Mother alleges harassment, seeks justice

Wakode’s mother has disputed the circumstances as presented by the institute and alleged that her son was subjected to severe harassment.

Her statement came after the family approached the police. The father’s complaint has resulted in an abetment-of-suicide case, with police examining the allegations and the specific roles of people named in the complaint.

The mother’s allegation that harassment led to her son’s death is an allegation and has not been established by the investigation. Police are expected to examine the sequence of events, statements from those involved and other available evidence as part of the inquiry.

Students protest on IIT Bombay campus

The student’s death triggered a protest involving more than 400 students on the IIT Bombay campus. The protesters demanded accountability and transparency from the administration and questioned the circumstances surrounding Wakode’s death.

Some students alleged that Wakode had been threatened with a one-year suspension following the examination incident. They claimed such a suspension could have required him to vacate the hostel and potentially extended the duration of his course.

However, IIT Bombay has said that no disciplinary action had been initiated against Wakode and that he had instead been counselled by the instructor and department head.

“We have come out to demand accountability and transparency from the administration. This isn’t the first incident,” a protesting student said, according to reports.

The ongoing mid-semester examinations were also postponed following the incident, according to reports from the campus.

Third student suicide reported at IIT Bombay in months

Wakode’s death has also raised concerns over student welfare at IIT Bombay, with reports identifying it as the third student suicide on the Powai campus in roughly seven months.

A second-year student died by suicide in February, while a 20-year-old second-year BTech student died by suicide in July, according to reports.

The latest incident has intensified calls from students for greater transparency and accountability in the handling of student-related crises.

Police investigation underway

The abetment-of-suicide case registered on the basis of Wakode’s father’s complaint is now a key part of the investigation. Police have said that the father named several people in his statement and that their alleged roles are being examined.

The investigation will have to establish whether any actions or conduct by individuals contributed to the circumstances surrounding Wakode’s death. At present, the allegations made by the family and the claims raised by protesting students remain subject to investigation.

IIT Bombay has said it is cooperating with the authorities examining the circumstances of the death.

Mental health support

People experiencing emotional distress or worried about someone else can seek help from a qualified mental health professional or contact a mental health helpline.

  • Vandrevala Foundation for Mental Health: 9999666555 or [email protected]
  • TISS iCall: 022-25521111, Monday to Saturday, 8 am to 10 pm