The parents of 22-year-old IIT Bombay student Sahil Ravindra Wakode have accused the institution of racial discrimination and institutional harassment following his death. Consequently, the police registered a case for abetment to suicide under the Indian Penal Code and also invoked the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act (SC/ST Act).
Sahil Ravindra Wakode, a second-year undergraduate student in Energy Science and Engineering, was found dead in his hostel room on the Pavai campus on Friday evening. Sahil's mother stated: 'My son was murdered and tortured. We demand justice.'
DCP Datt Nalawade reported that the case was filed against individuals named in the complaint submitted on behalf of Sahil's father, and that all aspects of the case will be investigated.
Initially, the police registered a report of accidental death as no suicide note was found. According to police information, Sahil's death occurred several hours after he was caught using a mobile phone during an exam. IIT Bombay stated that Sahil uploaded the examination paper to ChatGPT to get answers, and that no disciplinary action was taken against him.
According to IIT Bombay, an instructor and head of the department spoke with Sahil, explained the situation to him, and assured him that it would not affect his academic career. After this, he returned to his hostel room.
Protests took place on campus after Sahil's death. Protesting students claimed that after being caught using a mobile phone during an exam, he was threatened with suspension. They also demanded the resignation of IIT Bombay Director Shirish Kedare.
The institute refuted the claim of any disciplinary action against Sahil, reiterating that he was told it would not impact his academic career. IIT Bombay stated that it is supporting friends, classmates, faculty, and others affected by his death. The institute said: 'Appropriate officials are investigating the circumstances of the death.'