IIT BOMBAY STUDENT EXPRESSED REGRET OVER EXAMINATION MISCONDUCT BEFORE DEATH, POLICE SAY

September 28, 2026

Mumbai Police have said that IIT Bombay student Sahil Wakode expressed regret over an alleged examination malpractice incident during a phone conversation with a friend shortly before his death on September 18.

According to investigators, the 22-year-old second-year student contacted several friends after allegedly being caught using his mobile phone to access ChatGPT during a mid-semester Thermodynamics examination. During a conversation with a female friend, he reportedly expressed remorse over the incident and concern about his examination performance.

The Mumbai Police Crime Branch has recorded statements from more than 25 people, including students, faculty members and hostel staff, as part of its investigation. Authorities are examining CCTV footage, phone records and digital evidence to reconstruct the sequence of events leading up to Wakode’s death in his hostel room.

Meanwhile, Wakode’s parents have alleged that their son faced caste-based discrimination and harassment at the institute. A police case has been registered against a faculty member following the family’s complaint. IIT Bombay has apologised for making premature statements about the circumstances preceding the student’s death, acknowledging that the matter remains under investigation.

Police are continuing to examine the examination incident, the family’s allegations and other circumstances surrounding Wakode’s death. No final conclusions have been reached regarding the factors that contributed to the tragedy.