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IIT Bombay student death probe expands after new witness statement. (Img: Pinterest)
Mumbai: The mystery surrounding the death of IIT Bombay student Sahil Wakode has taken a new turn after the Mumbai Crime Branch examined details of his final phone conversation with a friend who was reportedly the last person to speak with him before his death.
According to police officials, Sahil discussed his Thermodynamics examination during the call and appeared worried about his performance. The 22-year-old second-year BTech student reportedly told his friend that the paper had not gone well and that he wanted to score better.
Investigators have also recorded the friend’s statement that Sahil allegedly mentioned being caught cheating during the examination. Police are treating this information as part of the ongoing investigation and are verifying all aspects related to the exam incident and the events that followed.
The probe has not reached any final conclusion regarding the reason behind Sahil’s death. Investigators are examining multiple angles, including academic pressure, digital evidence, witness accounts and allegations raised by his family.
Sahil Wakode, a student of the Department of Energy Science and Engineering at IIT Bombay, was found dead inside his hostel room on September 18, shortly after leaving an examination hall.
According to the police investigation, Sahil left the examination venue after the incident and returned towards his hostel. Investigators are analysing CCTV footage from the examination hall, campus premises and hostel area to understand his movements during his final hours.
The case gained attention after IIT Bombay stated that Sahil was allegedly caught using ChatGPT on his mobile phone during an examination. The incident has raised wider discussions about academic pressure, artificial intelligence tools in education and student mental health concerns. The Crime Branch is now trying to establish a complete timeline from the examination hall incident to the discovery of Sahil’s body.
The Mumbai Crime Branch has questioned several people connected with the case as part of its investigation. According to police, statements of around 20 people have been recorded, including students who were present during the examination, invigilators, faculty members and administrative officials.
Investigators are studying these accounts to understand Sahil’s interactions before his death and to identify any incidents that may have influenced the sequence of events. The statements of people who interacted with Sahil on the day of the incident are being examined along with technical evidence.
Digital evidence has become one of the most important parts of the investigation into Sahil Wakode’s death. Police are examining his phone records, messages and conversations with friends to gather information about his final hours. However, Sahil’s iPhone remains locked, and forensic experts are attempting to access the device.
Investigators are also exploring technical assistance to retrieve possible data from the phone, including call details and other digital information. The Crime Branch has collected CCTV footage from IIT Bombay’s examination hall, campus and hostel areas. The footage has been sent for forensic analysis to verify Sahil’s movements and establish a detailed timeline.
Apart from the examination-related incident, allegations of caste-based discrimination have also become a major part of the investigation. Sahil’s parents have alleged that their son faced caste-related harassment at IIT Bombay and demanded strict action against those responsible.
Based on the complaint filed by his family, an FIR was registered against Professor Suryanarayana Doolla on allegations of abetment to suicide connected with claims of caste discrimination. Professor Doolla was sent on leave during the investigation.
IIT Bombay has denied the allegations of caste discrimination and maintained that the matter is being examined through the appropriate legal process.
Police officials have said that no direct connection has been established so far between the allegations, the examination incident and Sahil’s death. All possible angles remain under investigation.
The alleged use of ChatGPT during the examination has added another dimension to the case. The incident has sparked discussion around the growing use of artificial intelligence tools among students, examination monitoring systems and the challenges faced by educational institutions in maintaining academic integrity.
Investigators are examining statements from officials present during the examination and reviewing available evidence to understand the exact circumstances inside the exam hall. The probe will determine whether the examination incident or any other factor contributed to the events that followed.
Sahil’s family has repeatedly appealed for a fair and detailed investigation into the circumstances surrounding his death. His parents have met Crime Branch officials and requested that all evidence related to the case be preserved. They have also urged students and authorities to support their demand for justice.
Union Minister of State for Social Justice Ramdas Athawale also visited IIT Bombay and called for a comprehensive investigation into the matter. The case has attracted attention among students, academic circles and social groups, with many seeking clarity on the circumstances behind the tragedy.
The Mumbai Crime Branch continues to analyse witness statements, forensic reports, CCTV recordings and electronic evidence collected during the investigation.
The next major developments are expected after the completion of digital forensic analysis and examination of remaining witnesses connected with the examination process.
As investigators continue to reconstruct Sahil Wakode’s final hours, the focus remains on finding answers about the events that led to his death and ensuring that all allegations are examined through proper investigation.
