Mumbai police question IIT-Bombay professor Doolla for 10 hours over student Sahil Wakode’s death
The Mumbai police have questioned Indian Institute of Technology Bombay (IIT-B) professor Suryanarayana Doolla for nearly 10 hours in connection with the death of 22-year-old student Sahil Wakode, an official said on Saturday, October 3, 2026. Professor Doolla, who has been accused of harassment and caste-based discrimination by the student’s family, denied all allegations during the interrogation, which took place on Thursday, October 1. His statement has been formally recorded, the official added.
Background
Wakode, a student at IIT Bombay, was found dead in his hostel room on the evening of September 18, 2026. His death occurred just hours after he was allegedly caught using his mobile phone to access ChatGPT during a mid-semester examination. Following a complaint by his father, the Powai police registered a First Information Report (FIR) against Professor Doolla.
Key developments in the case
According to the official, the crime branch, which is leading the investigation, has thus far recorded statements from around 40 individuals. Those questioned include Wakode’s parents, fellow students, friends, and staff members from both the institute and the hostel. The police are also likely to summon IIT Bombay Director Shireesh Kedare soon to record his statement in connection with the case, the official said.
As part of the inquiry, investigators examined the circumstances leading up to Wakode’s death, including events on the day of the mid-semester examination. While the official did not provide further details of the questioning, he confirmed that Professor Doolla denied the allegations made by the family and that his statement is now part of the official record.
Family’s allegations and protest
Wakode’s parents have alleged that their son faced caste-based discrimination at the institute. They have been staging a hunger strike at Azad Maidan in south Mumbai, demanding justice for their son’s death. The family has called for the arrest of Professor Doolla and IIT Bombay Director Shireesh Kedare, holding them responsible for what they describe as systemic failures and harassment within the institution.
Institutional response
In response to the incident, the IIT Bombay board has constituted a 10-member committee to inquire into the circumstances surrounding Wakode’s death. Details about the committee’s composition or specific terms of reference were not immediately available; however, the formation of the panel signals the institute’s internal review alongside the ongoing police investigation.
Next steps in the investigation
The crime branch is expected to continue recording statements and reviewing material evidence as it pieces together the events preceding Wakode’s death. With around 40 testimonies already on record and the likely summoning of Director Kedare, investigators are moving to complete a comprehensive account of institutional processes, interactions, and any potential lapses or misconduct alleged by the family.
Counselling and support
For those in distress, counselling support is available through Tele MANAS at 14416.
Published: October 3, 2026
