The IIT Bombay Alumni Association has called for a fair, transparent and speedy investigation into the death of 22 year old student Sahil Wakode, while urging people to avoid online speculation and what it described as media trials against individuals connected with the case.
The association issued its statement on Tuesday, September 22, as the investigation into Wakode's death continued. IITBAA said the circumstances surrounding the incident should be examined through a fair process and without prejudice. It also appealed to the public, media organisations and social media users to avoid drawing conclusions about individuals before the investigation is completed.
Sahil Wakode was a second year BTech student in the Department of Energy Science and Engineering at IIT Bombay. He was found dead in his hostel room on the evening of September 18. According to reports, the incident occurred several hours after he was allegedly found using a mobile phone during a mid semester examination. The circumstances leading to his death are currently being examined by the Mumbai Police Crime Branch.
The IIT Bombay Alumni Association said the institute was going through an extremely difficult period and emphasised the importance of maintaining an environment that is equitable, inclusive, safe and supportive for students, faculty members and staff.
The association also said it was prepared to work with IIT Bombay to strengthen mental health resources, campus well being and support mechanisms for students. It said rebuilding trust within the institute community would require attention to student welfare and a fair examination of the circumstances surrounding the incident.
Investigation Into Sahil Wakode Death
The Mumbai Police Crime Branch is investigating the circumstances surrounding Wakode's death. Investigators have collected CCTV footage from September 18 and are examining events that took place during and after the examination.
According to police sources cited by The New Indian Express, CCTV footage showed Wakode inside the examination hall between approximately 12:30 pm and 12:45 pm. The footage reportedly showed an interaction between Wakode and Professor Suryanarayana Doolla, who was supervising the examination. Police said the footage indicated that a verbal confrontation took place between the student and the professor before Wakode left the examination area.
Police have also been examining Wakode's mobile phone as part of the investigation. According to the report, investigators are conducting a forensic examination of the device and reviewing relevant communications to establish the sequence of events.
The investigation is important because the circumstances surrounding the student's death have generated different claims from the family, the institute and other groups. Authorities are therefore examining available evidence before determining the facts of the case.
Family Raises Allegations
Wakode's parents have made allegations concerning caste based discrimination and treatment that they say their son experienced at IIT Bombay.
His parents told reporters that Sahil had spoken to them about caste related remarks before his death. They said they had advised him to focus on his studies and continue with his education. The allegations made by the family are part of the broader investigation and have not been established as facts by a court.
The family has also sought action against IIT Bombay Director Professor Shirish Kedare and Professor Suryanarayana Doolla. Reports state that a case has been registered against Doolla under provisions relating to abetment and caste discrimination. Doolla was removed from his position as Dean of Administrative Affairs and was subsequently asked to remain on leave while the investigation continued.
The family has called for a thorough investigation and has publicly questioned the handling of the events surrounding Sahil's death. These are allegations and demands made by the family and should be distinguished from findings that may emerge from the police investigation or judicial proceedings.
IIT Bombay's Response
IIT Bombay has also faced questions about statements made soon after the student's death. The institute initially referred to the alleged use of ChatGPT during an examination. It later apologised for statements concerning the circumstances of the death before those circumstances had been established through an investigation.
The current investigation is examining what happened during the examination and the events that followed. Police have reportedly spoken to students who were present during the examination and are examining available CCTV footage and electronic evidence.
The investigation will determine what evidence supports or does not support the various claims surrounding the case.
Alumni Association Appeals Against Media Trial
The IIT Bombay Alumni Association's central appeal is that the investigation should be allowed to proceed without outside speculation or premature conclusions.
The association specifically urged people not to engage in online speculation or direct unverified conclusions against individuals. Its statement comes at a time when allegations and counter allegations surrounding the case have received significant attention on social media and in news reports.
The association's position is that the formal investigation should establish the circumstances of the student's death. This approach would allow evidence collected by investigators to be examined through the appropriate legal process rather than through public discussion alone.
The association also emphasised the importance of supporting students and strengthening campus welfare systems. It said it was ready to collaborate with IIT Bombay on mental health resources, campus well being and efforts to rebuild trust within the institute community.
High Level Committee at IIT Bombay
Separately, IIT Bombay's Board of Governors has constituted a 10 member high level committee to examine the circumstances surrounding Wakode's death. According to reports, the committee has been asked to submit its report within a week.
Professor Suryanarayana Doolla has been asked to remain on leave while the investigation proceeds. The reported measures are intended to allow the inquiry to take place without interference.
The institutional inquiry and the Mumbai Police investigation are separate processes. The police investigation concerns the circumstances of the death and any potential criminal allegations, while the institute's internal review is examining the circumstances and institutional aspects of the incident.
What Happens Next
The Mumbai Crime Branch is continuing to collect evidence, including CCTV footage, electronic data and statements from people who were present around the time of the examination.
The next stages of the investigation may provide additional information about the sequence of events on September 18. Until the investigation is completed, claims made by individuals or organisations should be treated as allegations unless independently established through official findings or judicial proceedings.
The IIT Bombay Alumni Association has urged the community to allow the investigation to proceed fairly and without prejudice. It has also offered to work with the institute on student welfare and campus support systems.
For readers following the case, official statements from Mumbai Police, IIT Bombay and relevant legal authorities will provide the most reliable information about confirmed developments. Reports based on allegations should be read with appropriate attribution and context.
The death of Sahil Wakode has prompted discussions about student welfare, campus safety, examination procedures and the handling of complaints concerning discrimination. The ongoing investigation is expected to provide further clarity on the circumstances surrounding the incident.