Now Reading: IIT-Bombay suicide: Crime Branch records 40 statements, awaits professor’s deposition
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IIT-Bombay suicide: Crime Branch records 40 statements, awaits professor’s deposition
IIT-Bombay suicide: Crime Branch records 40 statements, awaits professor’s deposition
The Story in Brief
The Mumbai Crime Branch has recorded statements from 40 people in the death of IIT Bombay student Sahil Wakode, including his parents, fellow students and hostel staff, according to Times of India and Free Press Journal on 1 October. Two mobile phones, a laptop and a tablet belonging to Wakode have been sent to the Kalina Forensic Science Laboratory for analysis. The statement of Professor Suryanarayana Doolla, booked for abetment of suicide based on a complaint by Wakode's father alleging caste-based harassment, has not yet been recorded, both outlets report.
Wakode, 22, was found hanging in his hostel room on 18 September, hours after being caught allegedly using ChatGPT during a mid-semester exam. His parents have been on hunger strike at Azad Maidan since 28 September, demanding the arrest of Professor Doolla and institute Director Shireesh Kedare. Times of India on 1 October reported that Ravindra Wakode has sought police protection under the Atrocities Act, citing safety concerns during the investigation. IIT Bombay has formed a 10-member committee to probe the death.
Indian Opinion Analysis
The two new sources, Times of India and Free Press Journal, both report the same factual update, 40 statements recorded, four devices sent for forensics, Professor Doolla's statement still pending, in neutral, wire-style reporting. Their accounts align closely with the earlier version of this brief, confirming no change in the investigative status. The protest dimension, reported in detail only by Times of India on 1 October, adds the Wakode family's request for police protection but does not alter the central investigative picture. The uniform coverage across all nine sources means the key open question remains when Doolla will be questioned, which police have not yet set.
Coverage: 9 sources, 9 neutral
Sources (9): deccanherald.com (neutral report), siasat.com (neutral report), timesofindia.indiatimes.com (neutral report), indiatoday.in (neutral report), hindustantimes.com (neutral report), hindustantimes.com (2) (neutral report), timesofindia.indiatimes.com (2) (neutral report), freepressjournal.in (neutral report), timesofindia.indiatimes.com (3) (neutral report)
This brief was synthesised by AI from the 9 sources linked above, so one read covers every framing they carry. Methodology and corrections.
Update, 1 October 2026: this story now draws on 9 sources.
