IIT Bombay Student Suicide: Crime Branch Records Prof. Doolla’s Statement in 8-10-Hour Session
The Mumbai Crime Branch recorded IIT Bombay Professor Suryanarayan Doolla’s statement in connection with Sahil Wakode’s death in a session lasting around 8–10 hours. The professor denied allegations of casteist remarks, while investigators continue examining witness statements, electronic devices and institute records.
The Mumbai Crime Branch, which has recorded statements from around 40 people in connection with IIT Bombay student Sahil Wakode’s death, questioned Professor Suryanarayan Doolla on October 2. The statement-recording session lasted between eight and 10 hours.
According to the Crime Branch, Professor Doolla denied the allegations levelled against him, including claims of casteist slurs or other such remarks. Sahil’s parents had accused the professor of making derogatory remarks. During his statement at the IIT Bombay campus in Powai, Doolla maintained that he had followed the institute’s prescribed guidelines and procedures.
The Crime Branch has recorded statements from around 40 people, including Sahil’s classmates, hostel staff and his parents. The agency said the professor’s statement is expected to give momentum to the ongoing investigation.
IIT Bombay Director Shireesh Kedare may also be summoned to record his statement, according to reports.
Sahil Signed ‘Apology Letter’; Institute’s Procedure Does Not List Such a Requirement
According to sources, Sahil had signed an ‘apology letter’ after being asked to leave the examination hall for allegedly cheating using his mobile phone. However, the IIT Bombay examination malpractice procedure from 2015 does not list such a requirement.
Under the procedure, when a student is caught cheating during an examination, the answer sheet and other materials allegedly used for malpractice are to be confiscated, and a new answer sheet is to be issued.
Sahil died by suicide a few hours after the alleged examination malpractice incident. His parents have accused Professor Doolla of making casteist remarks, allegations the professor has denied.
The Mumbai Crime Branch is investigating the case after it was transferred from the Powai Police. Sahil’s two mobile phones, laptop and tablet have been sent to the Forensic Science Laboratory in Kalina for examination. The digital analysis is expected to help investigators establish the sequence of events and examine information relevant to the circumstances surrounding the death of the second-year BTech student.
The Mumbai Police’s Special Investigation Team (SIT) has also sought documents from IIT Bombay.
The Mumbai Police had earlier confirmed that the case was transferred from Powai Police Station to the Crime Branch as DCB CID C.R. No. 124/2026 and is being investigated by an Assistant Commissioner of Police-rank officer under the supervision of the Deputy Commissioner of Police, Detection-I. Investigators have also examined CCTV footage from the examination hall and campus premises to reconstruct the sequence of events.
Sahil Behl is an education journalist at Jagran with over a year of experience in journalism. Prior to joining Jagran, he worked as a Sub-Editor in NDTV’s Education department, where he was responsible for writing and editing education-related content as well as managing the department’s social media presence. At Jagran, he covers a wide range of education topics, including board examinations, school updates, admissions, and job notifications, while leveraging his editorial expertise and strong understanding of digital content strategy. Sahil holds a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration and has also completed an eight-month certification program in Data Science. Passionate about emerging technologies, particularly artificial intelligence, he closely tracks their growing role in journalism and explores how they are transforming shaping the future of the media industry.
