A second-year student at the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Bombay, Sahil Wakode, was found deceased in his hostel room on the Powai campus Friday evening, September 19. His death followed an incident during an examination where he was reportedly caught using a mobile phone to upload a question paper to ChatGPT for answers.
Wakode, a Yavatmal, Maharashtra resident studying Energy Science and Engineering, faced immediate scrutiny from the examination instructor and Head of Department after the discovery. Institute officials confirmed they counselled him, assuring him the incident would not negatively impact his academic future. After this discussion, Wakode returned to his hostel room, where he was later found dead.
Mumbai police filed an Accident Death Report (ADR) in connection with the fatality. Authorities have informed Wakode's family, who arrived in Mumbai, and are recording their statements alongside those of other students on campus. The student's body underwent post-mortem examination. IIT Bombay explicitly denied initiating any disciplinary proceedings against Wakode following the exam incident.
Despite the institute's denial, student protests erupted on the Powai campus. Demonstrators alleged the administration withheld crucial details surrounding Wakode's death. Some protesters claimed Wakode faced threats of a one-year suspension, which would have forced him to vacate the hostel and potentially delay his four-year engineering course. Students suggested the immense fear and pressure from such potential disciplinary actions might have contributed to his death, though these allegations remain unverified. Police personnel deployed in significant numbers to manage the campus protest.
IIT Bombay conveyed profound grief over the tragedy, stating it provides support to his friends, classmates, and faculty. The institute noted that appropriate authorities are examining the circumstances of the death. This incident marks the third reported suicide at the IIT Powai campus within the last six months, raising concerns among the student body about underlying issues. An investigation continues, with further details expected.
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📰 Source: Siasat Gulf