Mumbai: The suicide of a second‑year student at IIT Bombay has triggered outrage and a police probe, with parents alleging harassment and students staging protests on campus. This marks the third suicide in six months at the prestigious Powai institute.
The victim, identified as Sahil Wakode from the Department of Energy Science and Engineering, was found dead in his hostel room hours after being caught using ChatGPT during an examination.
Police Action
Following a complaint by Wakode’s father, Mumbai Police registered an abetment of suicide case. Officials confirmed that several individuals named in the father’s statement have been included in the FIR and are under investigation.
Institute’s Stand
IIT Bombay stated that no disciplinary action was taken against Wakode. Instead, he was counselled by the Head of Department and assured that the incident would not affect his academic career.
Family’s Allegations
Wakode’s mother, however, accused the institute of harassment:
“My son has been killed. He was subjected to severe harassment. I want justice. We have filed a complaint,” she said.
Campus Unrest
Students erupted in protest on Friday evening and Saturday, demanding transparency and accusing the administration of withholding the full truth about the circumstances leading to Wakode’s death.
A Troubling Pattern
This tragedy is the third suicide at IIT Bombay in just six months, raising urgent questions about student welfare, mental health support, and institutional accountability at one of India’s top engineering institutes.