IIT Bombay Student Dies by Suicide After Exam Incident; Students Protest for Accountability

A second-year student at the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Bombay died by suicide on Friday evening, after he was caught using a mobile phone during an examination. The student has been identified as Sahil Wakode from the Department of Energy Science and Engineering.

According to the institute, Wakode had uploaded the examination question paper on ChatGPT to seek answers. Institute officials said that no disciplinary action was initiated against him. The matter was discussed with the student by the instructor and the Head of the Department, who counselled him and assured him that the incident would not adversely affect his academic career.

Following this discussion, Wakode returned to his hostel room. Later in the evening, he was found dead in his room. This is the third suicide in six months at the IIT Powai campus, according to the institute.

IIT Bombay issued a statement saying it was "deeply saddened" by the loss. "The Institute is extending support to the student's friends, classmates, faculty members, and others affected by this tragic incident. The circumstances surrounding the death are being looked into by the appropriate authorities," the statement read.

After news of Wakode's death emerged, students began protesting on the IIT Powai campus. The protesting students alleged that the institute was not revealing the complete truth about the circumstances surrounding the incident. They claimed that the student had been threatened with a one-year suspension. They said that if suspended, the student would have had to vacate the hostel and live outside the campus. According to the students, such action could also have extended the student's engineering course from four years to five years or longer.

The protesting students alleged that fear and pressure over the disciplinary action may have contributed to Wakode taking the extreme step. However, this claim has not been independently verified. They demanded "accountability" from the institute's administration.

"The reason for our protest is that a suicide took place in our college today. That is why we have gathered to protest—to demand accountability, transparency, and answers from our administration," a student said. "This is not the first incident—four have happened this year alone, and two within the last two months. We have no idea why this is happening, what the reasons are behind all this," he added.

Police deployed heavy security on campus as discussions were held between students and the administration. Senior police officer Dattatray Nalawade said that the investigation is underway. "Today, a student died by suicide at IIT Powai. Following this, some IIT students gathered and started a protest over their demands. The IIT administration is holding discussions with them to reach an amicable solution," the DCP said.

IIT Bombay, located in Powai, Mumbai, is one of India's most prestigious engineering institutions. The incident has raised concerns about mental health and pressure on students at premier institutions. The institute has not yet responded to the students' allegations regarding the suspension threat.

If you or someone you know is struggling with mental health, please reach out to a helpline. In India, you can contact AASRA at 9820466726 or iCall at 9152987821.