IIT Bombay Student Told Friend He Regretted Copying in Exam Before Death: Police
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Summarized by AI; it may make mistakes. Check important info
IIT Bombay student Sahil Wakode called several friends after allegedly being caught copying in an exam on September 18 and reportedly told a female friend he regretted the incident before taking his own life, police said on Monday.
Police Record Statements of Over 25 People
The Mumbai Police Crime Branch has reportedly recorded statements from more than 25 people, including IIT Bombay students, faculty members and hostel staff, as part of its investigation into Wakode’s death.
Wakode, a second-year student, was allegedly caught using his mobile phone to access ChatGPT during a mid-semester examination on September 18. He was found hanging in his hostel room that evening, hours after the examination.
According to police, Wakode spoke to several friends between the examination and his death. During a call with a female friend, he allegedly expressed regret over his performance in the thermodynamics paper and said he had made a mistake during the examination.
Police are examining the circumstances surrounding the alleged examination malpractice and the events that followed.
Phone, WhatsApp Records Under Scrutiny
The Crime Branch has reportedly sent Wakode’s iPhone to the Kalina Forensic Science Laboratory for technical analysis to retrieve digital logs and device history.
Police officials said they may seek assistance from Apple if forensic experts are unable to unlock the device. Investigators have also formally approached WhatsApp for relevant account information.
CCTV footage from the IIT Bombay campus has been retrieved and sent to the Kalina laboratory for certification under the Information Technology Act so it can be considered as court evidence.
Police reportedly said the digital evidence and CCTV footage will help establish the sequence of events between the examination and Wakode’s death.
Family Alleges Caste-Based Harassment
The Crime Branch is also investigating allegations of caste-based harassment made by Wakode’s family.
Based on a complaint by Wakode’s father, Powai police registered an FIR against Professor Suryanarayana Doolla, who was reportedly removed as dean of administrative affairs at IIT Bombay following the student’s death.
In his statement to police, Wakode’s father alleged that his son had told him during their last meeting that Professor Doolla had subjected him to casteist abuse for around three months at the alleged instance of institute Director Shireesh Kedare.
The father also alleged that Wakode had expressed fear of being implicated in a false case.
Police reportedly said they have not yet recorded Professor Doolla’s statement and are continuing to examine witness statements, technical evidence and other circumstances surrounding the incident.
