An IIT Bombay student died by suicide on Friday evening after he was caught using a mobile phone during an examination. The institute stated that he had uploaded the question paper on ChatGPT to seek answers. The death has since triggered protests on the Powai campus, and students have demanded transparency and accountability from the administration.
The boy, identified as Sahil Wakode, was a second-year student in the Department of Energy Science and Engineering. According to IIT Bombay, no disciplinary action had been initiated against him after the incident. The instructor and Head of Department reportedly spoke to him, counselled him and assured him that the matter would not affect his academic career.
He later returned to his hostel room, where he was found dead.
However, students protesting on campus have alleged that Sahil was threatened with a one-year suspension, which could have required him to leave the hostel and potentially extended his engineering course.
They believe the fear and pressure surrounding possible disciplinary action may have contributed to his death. These claims have not been independently verified.
Sahil’s mother has also alleged that her son was subjected to severe harassment and has sought justice. Mumbai Police have registered an FIR and begun an investigation.
The incident has intensified concerns on campus, with students pointing to multiple student deaths this year and demanding answers from the administration. Police have been deployed at IIT Bombay as discussions continue between students and institute officials.
IIT Bombay has expressed deep sadness over the death and said that the circumstances surrounding the incident are being examined by the appropriate authorities.
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