A fresh wave of protests has erupted at IIT Bombay following the death of second-year student Sahil Wakode, with students demanding greater accountability, an independent inquiry and the resignation of the institute’s Director and Dean.
Wakode, a student in the Department of Energy Science and Engineering, died by suicide on September 18, 2026, after an incident during an examination earlier that day. The incident has triggered protests involving hundreds of students on the Powai campus. Reports describe the death as the third student suicide at IIT Bombay in seven months.
What Happened to Sahil Wakode?
According to IIT Bombay’s statement, Wakode was found using a mobile phone during an examination and had uploaded the examination question paper to ChatGPT to seek answers.
The institute said that no disciplinary action had been initiated against him. IIT Bombay stated that the matter was discussed with him by the instructor, faculty adviser and Head of Department, who counselled him and assured him that the incident would not adversely affect his academic career. He later returned to his hostel room, where he was subsequently found dead.
Police are investigating the circumstances surrounding the death.
Students Demand Accountability
Following the tragedy, hundreds of students gathered on campus to protest and demand answers from the administration. Their demands include an independent investigation into the circumstances surrounding Wakode’s death and inquiries into other student suicides reported at the institute.
Students have also called for greater representation in academic and disciplinary committees, stronger mental-health measures and greater transparency in the institute’s handling of student concerns.
Among the demands is the resignation of the IIT Bombay Director and Dean. Students have also called for measures including mental-health sensitisation for faculty members, an anonymous complaint mechanism and changes to student representation in academic processes.
Dispute Over the Exam Incident
The circumstances surrounding the examination incident have become a central point of discussion.
While IIT Bombay says no disciplinary action was initiated and that Wakode was counselled, protesting students have questioned the transparency of the process and sought clarity about what happened after he was found using the phone. Reports also indicate that students have raised concerns about academic pressure and the institute’s disciplinary procedures.
Some reports have also carried allegations from the student’s family concerning how he was treated. These allegations are disputed and remain part of the ongoing investigation rather than established findings.
Mid-Semester Exams Postponed
The protests have also affected academic activities at the institute. Reports said the ongoing mid-semester examinations were postponed following the demonstrations.
The incident has renewed discussion about student mental health, academic pressure, disciplinary procedures and the need for effective support systems at India’s premier educational institutions.
The investigation into Sahil Wakode’s death remains ongoing, and the full circumstances surrounding the tragedy have yet to be established.
