Mumbai: The Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Bombay on Monday apologised for an earlier communication concerning the death of second-year BTech student Sahil Ravindra Wakode, saying it was inappropriate to characterise details surrounding the incident before they had been established through an official investigation.
The institute also categorically denied reports that its director, Professor Shireesh B Kedare, had resigned amid growing student protests over Wakode’s death.
“Director IIT Bombay has NOT resigned. We categorically state that the related news is false,” the institute said in a post on X.
In a separate communication, IIT Bombay apologised for statements made in its earlier account of the circumstances preceding Wakode’s death.
“The details and circumstances leading up to the incident remain subject to investigation by the appropriate authorities,” the institute said, adding that it was inappropriate to set out or characterise details relating to the events before they had been established through the investigative process.
What Happened To Sahil Wakode?
Sahil Ravindra Wakode, a second-year BTech student in the Department of Energy Science and Engineering, was found dead in his hostel room on the IIT Bombay campus on September 18.
The institute had earlier said Wakode was allegedly found using a mobile phone during a mid-semester examination and had uploaded the question paper to ChatGPT to seek answers.
IIT Bombay had also said that the matter was discussed with Wakode by the instructor and the Head of Department, who counselled him and assured him that the incident would not adversely affect his academic career.
The institute’s latest apology indicates that details concerning the circumstances preceding his death should not have been characterised before the investigation established them.
Why Are Students Protesting At IIT Bombay?
Wakode’s death triggered protests on the campus, with students raising questions about the handling of the examination incident and broader concerns relating to academic pressure and student welfare.
Wakode’s family has also alleged that he faced harassment and caste-based discrimination before his death. These allegations remain part of the ongoing investigation and have not been established as facts.
Following a complaint from his parents, police registered a case invoking provisions relating to abetment of suicide and the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act. Professor Suryanarayana Doolla was named as an accused in the FIR, and the investigation was transferred to the Mumbai Crime Branch.
Professor Suryanarayana Doolla Removed From Administrative Post
Amid the controversy, IIT Bombay has suspended Professor Suryanarayana Doolla from his administrative position with immediate effect.
Doolla will continue as a professor and head of the Department of Energy Science and Engineering, while further action is to be considered after the investigation. He was the professor involved in the examination incident and was subsequently named in the FIR.
The IIT Bombay Faculty Forum had earlier expressed support for Doolla, saying he had been performing his duties as an examination invigilator in accordance with institutional procedures.
Did IIT Bombay Director Shireesh Kedare Resign?
No.
Despite reports and statements circulating after a late-night interaction with protesting students, IIT Bombay has officially said that Director Shireesh B Kedare has not resigned.
Reports had emerged after Kedare told students that he would resign on Monday while indicating that the required process would have to be followed. The institute subsequently clarified that his resignation had not taken place.
The clarification came as students continued to demand accountability and action from the institute administration following Wakode’s death.
What Happens Next?
The circumstances surrounding Wakode’s death are now being investigated by the Mumbai Crime Branch.
The allegations made by his family, the circumstances surrounding the examination incident and the conduct of institute officials will have to be examined through the ongoing investigation.
IIT Bombay has said it will cooperate with the authorities and has urged against speculation while the investigation continues.
