# IIT Bombay student dies by suicide after ChatGPT exam use

2026-09-19T08:46:28+00:00 | India | Indian Opinion Desk

Corroboration: 3 independent outlets

A 22-year-old IIT Bombay student, Sahil Wakode, died by suicide in his hostel room on Friday evening after being caught using a mobile phone and ChatGPT during an examination. This is the third student suicide at the Powai campus in seven months. The institute said no disciplinary action was initiated against Wakode. He was counselled by his instructor and the head of department, who assured him the incident would not affect his academic career. He then returned to his room and was later found dead. A protest erupted on campus, with students alleging Wakode was threatened with a one-year suspension and eviction, contradicting the institute's account. Police have registered an accidental death report and are investigating. IIT Bombay said it is extending support to those affected. Senior police officer Dattatray Nalawade confirmed an investigation is underway.

## Indian Opinion Analysis

NDTV led with the protest and the mother's allegation of harassment, framing the story as a crisis at IIT Bombay. Rediff and bdnews24.com reported the institute's version first, including the assurance of no disciplinary action, then noted the students' contrary claims. The key dispute, whether Wakode was threatened with suspension, remains unverified. The police investigation, the post-mortem report, and any internal inquiry findings will clarify which account is accurate.

## Coverage

- ndtv.com (sensationalist) <https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/iit-bombay-student-dies-by-suicide-he-was-caught-using-chatgpt-in-exam-12067185>
  Leads with drama: 'protests erupt', third suicide, mother's emotional quote
- rediff.com (neutral report) <https://www.rediff.com/news/report/found-using-chatgpt-in-exam-iit-bombay-student-ends-life/20260919.htm>
  Straight PTI wire copy, balanced facts, no added editorialising
- bdnews24.com (neutral report) <https://bdnews24.com/neighbours/s5pk1tmi2z>
  Cites NDTV but reports facts neutrally, includes protest claims without dramatising

Tags: ChatGPT, IIT Bombay, Mumbai, Sahil Wakode, suicide
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