IIT Bombay suicide: SC/ST Act invoked after parents allege caste discrimination

The protesting students alleged that he had been threatened with suspension after being caught using his phone during the examination. They also sought the resignation of IIT Bombay Director Shireesh Kedare.

In Short

• Police register abetment case under BNS, SC/ST Act
• Sahil caught using ChatGPT during exam, IIT says no disciplinary action taken
• Students demand inquiry into death, IIT Director's resignation

The parents of a 22-year-old IIT Bombay student who died by suicide have alleged caste discrimination and institutional harassment, prompting police to register an abetment case under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita and invoke the SC/ST Act.

Sahil Ravindra Wakode, a second-year BTech student in the Energy Science and Engineering department, was found dead in his hostel room on the Powai campus on Friday evening.

“My son was killed and tortured. We want justice,” his mother said.

DCP Dutt Nalavade said several people named in a complaint filed by Sahil’s father had been booked, and the case would be investigated from all angles.

Police, which initially registered an accidental death report, said no suicide note was found.

'SAHIL USED CHATGPT DURING EXAM'

Sahil’s death came hours after he was found using a mobile phone during an examination.

IIT Bombay said he had uploaded the question paper to ChatGPT to seek answers. The institute maintained that no disciplinary action was initiated against him.

According to IIT Bombay, the instructor and the Head of the Department spoke to Sahil, counselled him and assured him that the incident would not adversely affect his academic career.

He later returned to his hostel room. When he did not respond, his hostel mates alerted the authorities, who informed the police.

STUDENTS DISPUTE IIT’S ACCOUNT

Sahil’s death triggered protests on campus, with students demanding a transparent inquiry.

The protesting students alleged that he had been threatened with suspension after being caught using his phone during the examination. They also sought the resignation of IIT Bombay Director Shireesh Kedare.

The institute denied that any disciplinary proceedings had been initiated and reiterated that Sahil was told the incident would not affect his academic career.

IIT Bombay said it was extending support to his friends, classmates, faculty members and others affected by his death.

“The circumstances surrounding the death are being looked into by the appropriate authorities,” it said.

- Ends