IIT Bombay Denies Disciplinary Action Against Student Who Died by Suicide

IIT Bombay has stated that no disciplinary action was initiated against a second-year MSc student who died by suicide after being found using a mobile phone during an examination. The student, Sahil Wakode, was enrolled in the institute's Department of Energy Science and Engineering and was found dead in his hostel room on the Powai campus on Friday evening.

In a statement issued after the incident, the institute said Wakode had uploaded the examination question paper on an artificial intelligence platform to seek answers. The matter was subsequently discussed with him by the examination instructor and the Head of the Department.

"The student was counselled and assured that the incident would not adversely affect his academic career," the institute said. It added that he returned to his hostel room after the discussion and was later found dead there.

IIT Bombay expressed grief over the loss, saying it was extending support to the student's family, friends, classmates, faculty members and others affected. The institute also said the circumstances surrounding the death are being looked into by the appropriate authorities.

A case has been registered on a complaint filed by Wakode's father. His mother has alleged that he was harassed and demanded justice. "My son has been killed. He was subjected to severe harassment. I want justice. I have filed a complaint," she said.