ACP-rank officer to lead Crime Branch probe into IIT-Bombay student's death

The Mumbai Crime Branch has assigned an Assistant Commissioner of Police-rank officer to lead the investigation into the death of Sahil Ravindra Wakode, a second-year student at the Indian Institute of Technology-Bombay, Mumbai Police said on Wednesday. The probe will be supervised by the Deputy Commissioner of Police (Detection-I).

Initially registered at Powai Police Station as C.R. No. 999/2026, the case has now been transferred to the Crime Branch, where it has been re-registered as DCB CID C.R. No. 124/2026, according to a press advisory issued by DCP Detection Raj Tilak Roshan.

Wakode, a second-year Bachelor of Technology student in the Department of Energy Science and Engineering, was found dead in his hostel room on Friday, September 18, 2026. The following day, the Powai police registered a first information report under charges including abetment of suicide and provisions of the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act.

The FIR, based on a complaint filed by the student's father, Ravindra Wakode, named faculty member Suryanarayana Doolla. The investigation was subsequently handed over to the Crime Branch.

Police said investigators are examining all possible angles and that the probe is being carried out diligently and impartially. The Crime Branch has begun looking into the circumstances surrounding Wakode's death, including his movements and the events leading up to the incident.

Mumbai Police appealed to the public to avoid speculation, refrain from spreading misinformation and not draw premature conclusions. The media has been asked to rely only on information released through official channels. The police said they remain committed to a fair and thorough investigation.

(Assistance for overcoming suicidal thoughts is available on the State's health helpline 104, Tele-MANAS 14416 and Sneha's suicide prevention helpline 044-24640050.)