IIT-B Suicide: ABVP Urges Complete Probe to 'Ascertain Truth' Before Action Against Guilty

ABVP Calls for Complete Investigation into IIT Bombay Student's Death

The Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP) has demanded a comprehensive investigation into the death of IIT Bombay student Sahil Wakode, saying that action against anyone found responsible should follow only after the facts have been established.

ABVP national general secretary Virendra Singh Solanki said the organisation had demanded an investigation and that taking action without first establishing what happened would not be appropriate. He said those found responsible should face action after the investigation is completed.

The statement comes amid protests and demands for accountability following Wakode's death on September 18.

Who Was Sahil Wakode?

Sahil Wakode was a second-year BTech student in the Department of Energy Science and Engineering at IIT Bombay.

He died on September 18 after an incident during a mid-semester examination. Reports said he had allegedly been found using a mobile phone during the examination.

The circumstances surrounding the incident have since become the subject of an institutional inquiry as well as a police investigation.

What Happened Before His Death?

According to reports, Wakode was allegedly caught using a mobile phone to access ChatGPT during an examination before his death.

The examination-related incident has become one part of the wider investigation. However, it has not by itself established the circumstances or cause of his death.

Student representatives have also said that their concerns extend beyond the examination incident and include broader institutional issues and student welfare. They have stressed that they do not support academic misconduct while seeking institutional reforms.

ABVP Says Facts Should Be Established First

ABVP's Virendra Singh Solanki said the organisation's workers were already involved in the matter and had demanded a complete investigation.

His position was that responsibility should be determined after investigators examine the available evidence rather than before the inquiry is completed.

The statement comes as different accounts and allegations have emerged following the student's death, making an evidence-based investigation central to determining what occurred.

IIT Bombay Sets Up 10-Member Probe Panel

IIT Bombay has constituted a 10-member committee to examine the circumstances surrounding Wakode's death.

The committee is headed by Professor Ramesh Venkateswaran, chairman of the Board of Governors at IIT Palakkad. Its members include faculty representatives, students, an administrator, a former vigilance official and a psychiatrist.

The inclusion of students and a mental-health professional is intended to bring multiple perspectives to the institutional examination of the case.

The panel has been asked to examine the circumstances surrounding the student's death and submit its findings.

Professor Suryanarayana Doolla Sent on Leave

IIT Bombay has also removed Professor Suryanarayana Doolla from his position as dean of administrative affairs and sent him on leave while the investigation proceeds.

Doolla has been named in allegations concerning the treatment of Wakode. A police case has reportedly been registered involving allegations of abetment and caste discrimination. These remain allegations subject to investigation.

The institute's decision to keep the professor away from administrative responsibilities comes as the inquiry into the circumstances surrounding Wakode's death continues.

Family Alleges Caste-Based Harassment

Wakode's parents have alleged that their son experienced caste-based harassment and humiliation.

His mother, Sonali Wakode, has alleged that her son had spoken to the family about discriminatory treatment. The family has demanded a detailed examination of the evidence and action against anyone found responsible.

These allegations have not been established as findings by an investigative agency or court. The ongoing investigations are expected to examine the claims and other circumstances surrounding the student's death.

Parents Seek Accountability

Wakode's parents have called for accountability and a thorough investigation.

His father, Ravindra Wakode, has also sought action against those whom the family believes should be held responsible. He has met investigators as the police inquiry continues.

The family's allegations have added to pressure on the institute to establish the facts surrounding the case.

Mumbai Crime Branch Investigating

The Mumbai Crime Branch is investigating the circumstances surrounding Wakode's death.

The investigation is examining the available evidence and circumstances surrounding the events preceding his death. Reports have indicated that investigators are also looking at CCTV footage as part of efforts to reconstruct his final hours.

The police investigation and IIT Bombay's institutional inquiry are separate processes, although their findings may address overlapping aspects of the case.

Students Protest on Campus

Wakode's death triggered protests at IIT Bombay.

Students have demanded accountability and institutional reforms, while some student representatives have emphasised that the issue should remain focused on campus concerns rather than being overtaken by external political organisations.

Students have also raised questions about examination procedures, student welfare and the effectiveness of existing grievance mechanisms.

Debate Over Examination Incident

The allegation that Wakode had used a phone during an examination has also become part of the public discussion.

His family has questioned the circumstances surrounding the allegation and has called for evidence to be examined.

At the same time, students have stated that they do not support cheating or academic misconduct. Their concerns centre on what they describe as wider institutional issues and the need for reforms that could prevent similar crises in the future.

The investigation will be important in establishing the factual sequence of events.

Why the Probe Matters

Several competing claims have emerged since Wakode's death, including allegations concerning academic misconduct, caste-based treatment and institutional responsibility.

A detailed investigation can help distinguish verified facts from allegations and determine whether any individual or institutional action contributed to the circumstances surrounding the death.

This is also the reason ABVP has called for responsibility to be determined only after a complete investigation.

IIT Bombay Inquiry Includes Students and Psychiatrist

The composition of the institutional committee has attracted attention because it includes three student representatives and a psychiatrist.

The student members are Aditya Joshi, general secretary of hostel affairs; Dev Arora, overall coordinator of the Student Mentor Programme; and research scholar Devi Lal. Psychiatrist Dr Harish Shetty is also part of the panel.

The committee also includes faculty members and former officials with experience in administration and vigilance.

What the Investigation Needs to Establish

The ongoing inquiries will need to establish several aspects of the case, including:

• The sequence of events surrounding Wakode's death

• What occurred during and after the examination incident

• The nature of the allegations made by the family

• Whether any discriminatory or inappropriate conduct occurred

• Whether institutional procedures were followed

• Whether any individual or institutional action contributed to the circumstances

• Whether additional reforms are required to improve student welfare and grievance mechanisms

These questions remain under investigation.

Academic Institutions and Student Welfare

The case has also renewed discussion about student welfare at highly competitive academic institutions.

Beyond academic performance, students may face pressures associated with examinations, disciplinary proceedings, social relationships and institutional expectations.

Institutions therefore rely on counselling services, grievance mechanisms, faculty support and student mentorship to address concerns.

The findings of the IIT Bombay committee could inform any changes the institute decides to make following the investigation.

Key Developments at a Glance

IssueCurrent PositionStudentSahil WakodeInstituteIIT BombayCourseSecond-year BTechDepartmentEnergy Science and EngineeringDate of deathSeptember 18, 2026Institutional response10-member inquiry committeePolice investigationMumbai Crime BranchABVP positionComplete investigation before assigning responsibilityFamily's allegationCaste-based harassment, among other concernsProfessor named in caseSuryanarayana DoollaCurrent statusInvestigations underway

What Happens Next?

The IIT Bombay committee is expected to examine the circumstances surrounding Wakode's death and submit its findings.

The Mumbai Crime Branch will continue its separate investigation, including examination of available evidence.

For now, allegations concerning individual responsibility remain subject to investigation. The final findings of the institutional and police inquiries will be important in determining what happened and whether further action is warranted.

Bottom Line

The ABVP has called for a complete investigation into the death of IIT Bombay student Sahil Wakode before action is taken against anyone found responsible. ABVP national general secretary Virendra Singh Solanki said the facts should first be established through a detailed probe.

IIT Bombay has meanwhile constituted a 10-member committee including faculty members, students and a psychiatrist, while the Mumbai Crime Branch is investigating the case. Professor Suryanarayana Doolla has been removed as dean and sent on leave during the inquiry.

Wakode's family has alleged caste-based harassment and sought accountability, but those allegations have not yet been established as findings. The ongoing investigations will determine the circumstances surrounding his death and whether any individual or institutional responsibility should follow.