Sahil Wakode Death: Father Seeks Arrest Of IIT Bombay Professor Doolla, Director Kedare

The father of IIT Bombay student Sahil Wakode, who died by suicide on September 18, has demanded the arrest of Professor Suryanarayana Doolla and institute Director Shireesh Kedare, alleging that his son faced caste-based harassment, threats and sustained pressure before his death.

The allegations are part of an ongoing investigation by the Mumbai Police Crime Branch, which is examining CCTV footage and other evidence to reconstruct the events surrounding the 22-year-old second-year BTech student’s death.

Father Alleges Caste-Based Harassment

Sahil’s father, Ravindra Wakode, has alleged that his son had been facing pressure from Professor Doolla for an extended period.

The family said they had heard caste-related remarks allegedly made by the professor, who they said they had spoken about with Sahil. Ravindra has said that his son had told him of such comments just before his death, and that Sahil felt he was being targeted due to his caste.

The charges have been added to the police case which was initiated after the father lodged a complaint. The FIR refers to provisions of Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita on ‘abetment of suicide’ and provisions of the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act.

The allegations against the professor and institute officials have not been established and remain subject to investigation. IIT Bombay has denied allegations of caste-based discrimination on campus.

Crime Branch Examines CCTV Footage

The Mumbai Crime Branch has taken over the investigation and is examining CCTV footage from the examination hall, campus and hostel.

Fresh footage from September 18 reportedly covers the period when Sahil was questioned during his mid-semester examination. Investigators are examining the sequence of events after he left the examination hall and returned to his hostel.

The footage is being used along with other evidence to establish what happened in the hours before his death. Authorities have not yet reached a final conclusion about the circumstances surrounding the death.

Dispute Over Exam Incident

Sahil’s death occurred hours after an incident during a mid-semester examination.

IIT Bombay had earlier claimed that Sahil was using a mobile phone during the exam and he had allegedly uploaded the question paper to ai to get answers. The institute was later apologetic for its communication, alleging that it was not proper to label information which is yet to be confirmed after an investigation regarding the incident.

Sahil’s father has questioned the institute’s account and demanded that evidence relating to the alleged examination misconduct be produced.

Doolla Removed From Dean’s Post

Amid protests on campus, IIT Bombay removed Professor Suryanarayana Doolla from his responsibilities as Dean of Administrative Affairs. He continues to remain a faculty member.

The decision followed an 18-point charter submitted by protesting students. Their demands include an independent investigation into Sahil’s death, changes to disciplinary procedures, greater student participation in institutional decision-making and stronger counselling and mental-health support.

The move, however, did not fully satisfy the protesting students, who have sought action against Doolla in his capacity as a professor as well.

IIT Bombay Faculty Supports Professor

The developments have also led to differences within the campus community.

The IIT Bombay Faculty Forum has welcomed Doolla, stating that he was doing his job of an invigilator during the examination and had adhered to the prescribed procedure in reporting the possible breach of the examination.

On the other hand, the demands of the students’ representatives have been directed towards accountability, transparency, students’ welfare and institutional reforms.

Investigation Continues

The Crime Branch is still analysing the CCTV footage and other evidence to look into the allegations made by Sahil’s family.

The allegations of harassment and abetment of the victim on the basis of caste are still being investigated and at this time, no final decision on responsibility for Sahil’s death has been made.

The case has also stirred rumblings over disciplinary action, student welfare and mental-health support at IIT Bombay.