IIT-B student death: Sahil Wakode apologized for cheating in exam, sought second chance, say cops

Parents of IIT Bombay student Sahil Wakode staged a protest demanding the arrest of Professor Suryanarayan Doolla and Principal Shireesh Kedare. File | Photo credit: PTI

A 22-year-old IIT Mumbai student who died hours after he was caught cheating in an exam last month has submitted a written apology to the institute in a bid to get a second chance, police said on Tuesday (Oct 13, 2026).

The Mumbai crime branch, which is probing the death, has recorded the statements of more than 40 people, including IIT-B director Shireesh Kedar and professor Suryanarayan Doolla, who faces charges of harassment and caste-based discrimination by the deceased student’s parents, the official said.

Sahil Wakode, a second-year BTech student, was found dead in his hostel room on the evening of September 18, hours after he was caught allegedly using his mobile phone to access ChatGPT during a mid-semester exam.

The official said that after being caught allegedly cheating in the exam, Wakode said in a written statement to the institute that he had not prepared well for the paper, admitted his mistake and was looking for a second chance.

The Powai police registered an FIR against Professor Doolla based on a complaint filed by the student’s father.

According to the police, Professor Doolla, who has been named as an accused in the case, in his statement to the police denied the molestation allegations leveled against him by Wakode’s parents.

The deceased student’s parents, Ravindra and Sonali Wakode, began a hunger strike at Azad Maidan in south Mumbai on September 24 to seek justice for their deceased son, alleging that he was being discriminated against on the basis of caste at the Premier Institute.

This article contains references to suicide and mental health issues. Those in distress may contact Sanjivini, Mental Health Society’s Suicide Prevention Line: 011-40769002.

Published – 13 Oct 2026 6:00 PM IST