23 September,2026 10:34 AM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondent
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The IIT Bombay Alumni Association (IITBAA) has called for a fair, transparent and speedy investigation into the alleged suicide of 22-year-old student Sahil Wakode, while urging people to avoid speculation, media trials and conclusions directed at individuals before the investigation is complete.
The association said IIT Bombay was going through an extremely difficult period and stressed the need for an equitable, inclusive and supportive environment for students, faculty members and staff.
In a statement issued on Tuesday, IITBAA said the investigation into Sahil Wakode's death should be conducted without prejudice and in accordance with due process.
"We fully support a fair, transparent, and speedy investigation into this tragic event, and urge that all procedures be conducted with complete fairness and without prejudice. We strongly appeal against online speculation, media trials, or nasty conclusions directed at any individual," it said.
The association also said it was willing to work with the institute to strengthen mental health resources and campus well-being.
"We stand ready to collaborate with the institute to strengthen mental health resources, support campus well-being, and help rebuild trust across our entire community," the statement added.
Wakode's parents have demanded the immediate arrest of IIT Bombay Director Professor Shirish Kedare and Professor Suryanarayana Doolla. Doolla was removed as the dean of Administrative Affairs following protests by students and political activists.
A case has been registered against Doolla on charges of abetment and caste discrimination.
Wakode, a second-year BTech student in the Department of Energy Science and Engineering, was found hanging in his hostel room on the evening of September 18. This happened hours after he was allegedly caught using a mobile phone to access ChatGPT during a mid-semester examination.
His parents have disputed the circumstances surrounding the examination incident and have called for all evidence to be examined before conclusions are drawn.
Wakode's mother, Sonali Wakode, has alleged that her son had told the family about caste-based slurs and harassment.
"He specifically told us that Professor Suryanarayana Doolla would say, "I am from an upper caste and you are from a lower caste." According to what Sahil told us, this had been continuing for around three months," she claimed.
Sonali Wakode said that when she and her husband met Sahil in his hostel room on September 13, he told them that he was being tortured and subjected to abuse.
She also questioned the institute's initial claim that Sahil had been caught using ChatGPT during an examination. She said that any allegation of cheating should be supported by evidence.
Sahil's father, Ravindra Wakode, said the circumstances surrounding his son's death would become clear only after the accused in the case were arrested.
IIT Bombay alumnus and activist Sudheendra Kulkarni has meanwhile called for the withdrawal of the SC/ST Act case against Doolla, alleging that the law has been widely misused and calling for a national debate on its reform.
Kulkarni also said higher education institutions, including IITs, needed to continuously improve campus life and take steps to reduce stress among students. He called for coaching and peer-support initiatives for students from marginalised communities.
His comments come amid a wider debate over student welfare, campus safety and the handling of complaints involving caste discrimination at higher education institutions.
The death of Wakode has triggered protests on the IIT Bombay campus, with students and political activists demanding action and a detailed investigation into the circumstances leading to his death.
The police have increased security measures on the campus following the protests.
(With inputs from PTI)
