A second-year BTech student at the Indian Institute of Technology Bombay (IIT Bombay), Sahil Wakode, had submitted a written apology to the institute after he was allegedly caught using ChatGPT during a mid-semester examination, according to police officials. The student reportedly admitted that he had not prepared adequately for the examination, acknowledged his mistake, and requested another opportunity. Wakode was found unresponsive in his hostel room on the evening of September 18, hours after the examination incident. His death has prompted an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the case, with questions being raised by his family about the treatment he received at the institute. According to a report by the Press Trust of India (PTI), the Mumbai Crime Branch has recorded statements from more than 40 people as part of its investigation. Those questioned reportedly include IIT Bombay Director Shireesh Kedare and Professor Suryanarayana Doolla. The case has drawn considerable attention because of allegations of harassment and caste-based discrimination made by the student's parents. However, the allegations remain contested, and the investigation is continuing to establish the facts surrounding the student's death.

Police Investigation and Allegations Against Professor
The case took another turn after the student's father filed a complaint, following which Powai police registered a First Information Report (FIR) against Professor Suryanarayana Doolla. The professor has been charged with abetment of suicide in connection with the case. According to the report, Doolla has denied the allegations made by Wakode's parents in his statement to the police. The investigation is examining the events leading up to the student's death, including the examination incident and the circumstances in which the student was dealt with afterward. The recording of statements from institute officials and other individuals is part of the process of gathering information from people who may have knowledge of the events. Wakode's parents, Ravindra and Sonali Wakode, have alleged that their son faced caste-based discrimination and harassment at the institute. They began a hunger strike at Azad Maidan in South Mumbai on September 24, demanding justice for their son. Their allegations have intensified public scrutiny of the institution's handling of academic misconduct cases and the support available to students facing disciplinary proceedings. The allegations against the professor have not been established as proven facts, and the outcome will depend on the investigation and legal proceedings.

IIT Bombay Puts 2026 Academic Misconduct Rules on Hold
Separately, IIT Bombay has announced an interim suspension of its 2026 rules concerning penalties for academic misconduct ahead of the mid-semester examinations. According to media reports, the institute has restored the earlier policy introduced in April 2015 to handle cases involving examination malpractice. Under the revived framework, faculty members can document suspected academic dishonesty using a prescribed form, while students are permitted to submit their explanations. The move brings attention to the procedures institutions follow when dealing with allegations of cheating and other forms of examination misconduct. Academic integrity remains an important concern for educational institutions, particularly as the use of artificial intelligence tools such as ChatGPT becomes more widespread. At the same time, disciplinary procedures must provide students with an opportunity to explain their actions and ensure that allegations are examined fairly. The temporary return to the earlier framework comes amid heightened attention surrounding the IIT Bombay case. The institute's decision on its academic misconduct rules and the ongoing police investigation are separate developments, although both have become part of the wider public discussion following Wakode's death. Further findings from investigators are expected to help clarify the circumstances of the case and the issues raised by the student's family.