The Mumbai Police Crime Branch is currently examining CCTV footage from the examination hall, campus, and hostel as part of the investigation into the suicide of IIT Bombay student Sahil Ravindra Wakode. A Crime Branch official confirmed on Tuesday that this footage is a crucial element in understanding the circumstances surrounding the student’s tragic death.
Security was also stepped up at the campus on Tuesday amid the tensions. IIT Bombay student representatives on Monday said their protest was not intended to justify cheating or academic misconduct but to raise concerns over systemic issues within the institute and seek institutional reforms. The Crime Branch is now piecing together footage from different locations on the campus to establish Sahil’s movements from the examination hall to the hostel and further examine the sequence of events preceding his death. The development comes amid protests and counter-protests at IIT Bombay following Sahil’s death. The Mumbai Police has officially transferred the case to the Crime Branch.
Doolla, who was the course instructor, was invigilating the mid-semester examination from 11 am to 1 pm on September 18 when he saw a student using a smartphone without authorisation, according to the Faculty Forum. In an earlier statement issued on September 19, IIT Bombay had said the student was caught cheating during an examination and had used a phone to upload the question paper to ChatGPT to seek answers.
Subsequently, a professor questioned him and took him aside, away from the other students, according to the police. The forum termed the incident “academic malpractice” and said Doolla reported it to institute authorities as per the approved procedure.
The institute later issued a formal apology and retracted its earlier characterisations of the incident.
The family has also sought access to CCTV footage and other evidence and alleged that several people could be involved in the circumstances leading to Sahil’s death.
Students Call for Administrative Leave of Professor During Investigation
Students have expressed their stance regarding Professor Suryanarayana Doolla, stating they do not presume his guilt amid the ongoing investigation. They are advocating for Doolla to step down from his role as Dean of Administrative Affairs while the inquiry is conducted, viewing this as a necessary precautionary measure.
