Mumbai: The death of a 22-year-old IIT Bombay student has triggered protests on the Powai campus, while his mother has alleged that her son was tortured and demanded justice. Police have begun an investigation following a complaint by the family.
Sahil Ravindra Wakode, a second-year BTech student in the Energy Science and Engineering department, was found dead in his hostel room on Friday evening. He was from Yavatmal district in Maharashtra.
Death followed examination incident
According to IIT Bombay, Sahil had been found using a mobile phone during an examination earlier that day. The institute said he had uploaded the question paper to ChatGPT to seek answers.
The institute said no disciplinary action had been initiated against him. It said the instructor and Head of Department spoke to him, counselled him and assured him that the incident would not affect his academic career. Sahil subsequently returned to his hostel room, where he was later found dead.
Police said no suicide note was recovered. His body was sent for post-mortem examination, while the circumstances surrounding the death are being investigated.
Family complaint leads to police case
Sahil’s mother has alleged that her son was subjected to severe harassment and said she wanted justice. His father also filed a complaint naming several people.
Mumbai Police said a case relating to alleged abetment of suicide and other offences has been registered against those named in the complaint. Police said the allegations would be investigated from all angles.
The death has also prompted protests by students, who have called for a transparent inquiry. Some students alleged that Sahil had been threatened with suspension, though this claim has not been independently verified. IIT Bombay has maintained that no disciplinary action had been initiated.
The institute said it was extending support to students, faculty members and others affected by the tragedy.