A youth enrolled at the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Bombay, who was pursuing his second-year at the institute, allegedly died by suicide on Friday evening, hours after he was reportedly caught using a cell phone during an examination. In the aftermath of the incident, protests erupted on the campus situated in Mumbai’s Powai area. 

The youth who took the drastic step has been identified as Sahil Wakode, who was enrolled at the Department of Energy Science and Engineering. He reportedly uploaded the question paper of the examination on the AI tool ChatGPT in a bid to obtain answers during the test, as per the officials from the institute. 

Notably, this is the third suicide reported from the IIT Bombay campus over the last seven months, sources said. 

Institute says no disciplinary action was initiated

IIT Bombay issued a statement, according to which, no disciplinary proceedings had been initiated against Wakode after the incident. The institute added that the case was discussed with him by the instructor and the Head of the Department he was enrolled in. The duo counselled him and assured him that the incident would not cast a shadow on his academic career. 

Post-discussion, Wakode returned to the hostel room, but was later found dead there. 

IIT Bombay went on to say that it was ‘deeply saddened’ by the death and that it was extending support to the student’s kin, friends, classmates and others linked to him. The institute’s statement read, “The circumstances surrounding the death are being looked into by the appropriate authorities.”

However, Wakode’s mother alleged that her son had been subjected to harassment, and voiced demands for justice. She asserted, “My son has been killed. He was subjected to severe harassment. I want justice. I have filed a complaint.” 

Students resort to protest, hit up administration for answers

Wakode’s alleged suicide resulted in protests among students on the campus. Demonstrators alleged that the institute had not revealed the complete circumstances surrounding the incident, and voiced demands for greater transparency as well as accountability from the administration.

Some students also claimed that Wakode had allegedly been threatened with a one-year suspension. They added that such a suspension could have required him to vacate the hostel and live outside the campus, while extending his four-year-long engineering course to five years or longer. 

Students went on to allege that fear and pressure over an imminent disciplinary action may have driven Wakode to take the extreme step. However, the said claim has not been independently verified. 

A student participating in the protest said, “The reason for our protest is that a suicide took place in our college today. That is why we have gathered to protest; to demand accountability, transparency and answers from our administration.” 

Another student remarked, “This is not the first incident; four have happened this year alone, and two within the last two months. We have no idea why this is happening or what the reasons are behind all this.” 

Cops keep a tab on situation as talks continue

Mumbai Police deployed security in thick numbers on the campus as discussions continued between students and the administration. A senior police official, named Dattatray Nalawade said a probe into the circumstances surrounding Wakode’s death was underway. 

He said, “Today, a student died by suicide at IIT Powai. Following this, some IIT students gathered and started a protest over their demands. The IIT administration is holding discussions with them to reach an amicable solution.”