The father of IIT Bombay student Sahil Wakode has demanded the immediate arrest of the faculty members named in the FIR following his son’s death, questioning why no arrests had been made despite the ongoing investigation.
Sahil Wakode, a second-year BTech student in the Department of Energy Science and Engineering, was found dead in his hostel room on September 18. His family has alleged that he faced caste-based harassment and pressure at the institute before his death. These allegations remain under investigation.
Speaking outside the Mumbai Crime Branch, Sahil’s father, Ravindra Wakode, questioned the lack of arrests. “No action has been taken. If they have taken action, they should show us. Why haven’t they arrested them?” he said, according to reports.
The family has specifically sought action against Professor Suryanarayana Doolla and IIT Bombay Director Shireesh Kedare, both named in connection with the case. The FIR includes provisions relating to abetment to suicide and the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act.
Sahil’s death occurred hours after an incident during a mid-semester examination. The institute had initially said that he was caught using a mobile phone and had allegedly uploaded the question paper to ChatGPT. IIT Bombay subsequently apologised for discussing details of the incident while the matter was under investigation. Sahil’s father has disputed the allegations and called for evidence to be presented.
The Mumbai Crime Branch has now taken over the investigation. Police are examining CCTV footage from the examination hall and campus, recording statements from witnesses and collecting electronic evidence, including Sahil’s mobile phone. Investigators have also indicated that they will examine the circumstances surrounding the examination incident.
Professor Doolla has been removed from his administrative position as Dean of Administrative Affairs and subsequently sent on leave while the investigation proceeds. Police have said that his statement is expected to be recorded as part of the inquiry.
Sahil’s parents have maintained that their son had previously told them about alleged caste-based discrimination. His father has said that the family initially encouraged him to continue his studies because gaining admission to IIT Bombay was difficult. The parents have since said they regret not understanding the seriousness of his complaints earlier.
Meanwhile, police have urged people to avoid speculation and premature conclusions while the investigation is underway. The authorities say evidence, including CCTV footage, electronic records and witness statements, is being examined to establish the sequence of events and determine the facts of the case.
