Tezzbuzz Desk CCTV footage of the exam hall has now surfaced in the case of the death of Sahil Wakode, a second year B.Tech student of IIT Bombay, on September 18. In this footage of about 50 to 54 seconds, Sahil is seen giving the exam wearing a black T-shirt. Supervisors are present around them in the examination hall. Meanwhile, Professor Suryanarayan Dulla reaches Sahil. A conversation is seen between the two and after this Sahil is seen giving his mobile phone to the professor. The professor also takes his answer sheet and then Sahil is seen leaving the exam hall.
The crime branch is investigating this CCTV and other footage of the campus and hostel. The footage that surfaced is said to have been taken between 12:30 and 12:45 pm on September 18. According to reports, in the footage, Sahil is seen repeatedly bending down and looking at his pocket during the exam. After this Professor Dulla approaches him and after conversation he is sent out of the examination hall.
IIT Bombay had earlier said that Sahil was caught for using ChatGPT through mobile during the examination. The institute had issued a statement in this regard on September 19. However, later on September 21, IIT Bombay apologized for its initial statement and said that the facts and circumstances surrounding the incident were under investigation, so it was not appropriate to make such a statement before the investigation was completed.
After leaving the examination hall, Sahil reached his hostel room at around 1:25 pm. According to available investigation details, he did not come out of the room after this. Later that day he was found dead in his room. The crime branch is now trying to link Sahil's last activities and the entire sequence of events before the incident from the examination hall to the hostel through CCTV and other digital evidence.
After Sahil's death, his father Ravindra Wakode made serious allegations against IIT Bombay faculty member Suryanarayan Dulla. The family alleges that Sahil had told them about caste-based discrimination and alleged harassment. Based on the father's complaint, Powai police registered a case against Professor Dulla for abetment of suicide and under the SC/ST Act. The investigation into these allegations is ongoing and currently these allegations are at the investigation stage.
After the matter came to light, students started protesting in IIT Bombay. The students presented a charter of 18 demands to the administration, including an independent investigation into Sahil's death, action against those responsible, improvement in mental health services, participation of students in the decisions of the institute and changes in the rules related to examinations. After three days of protest, late night on 20th September, IIT Bombay Director Prof. Shirish Kedare and senior administrative officials held a meeting with the students for about three hours. After this the administration signed the 18-point charter of the students. It was also said on behalf of the institute that further action will be taken as per the prescribed procedure.
The students' demands also include an independent investigation into Sahil's death and release of the investigation report within the stipulated time. The students have demanded release of interim report by 30 September and final report by 15 October. Apart from this, demands like code of conduct for the faculty, 24-hour availability of psychiatrist in the campus hospital, improvement in counseling services, participation of students in institutional decisions and not taking action against the protesting students have also been put forward.
The institute also took action against Professor Suryanarayan Dulla. On September 21, IIT Bombay informed about his removal from administrative post/suspension from the post of Dean. The students, however, said that their demand was not only for his removal from the administrative post but also for his suspension as a professor. Along with this, police investigation of the case continued.
Sahil's father has also raised questions regarding the arrest of the accused. He says that despite being named in the FIR why no arrest has been made till now. The family has demanded a fair investigation and justice. The police and crime branch are investigating the CCTV, digital evidence and other circumstantial facts available in the case. Till now, no final conclusion has come from the investigating agencies regarding the final causes of Sahil's death.
Amidst the matter, IIT Bombay has also taken steps towards changing the examination system. After talks with students, it has been decided to postpone the mid-semester examinations scheduled to be held on September 26 and 27 to October 10 and 11. The institute has said that this time will be used to prepare clear and student-centric SOPs for the invigilators monitoring the examinations. A phased procedure will also be drawn up to handle cases of academic misconduct, which will be placed before the Senate for formal approval.
Students have also been given representation in the new committee formed after Sahil's death. Its objective is to frame new rules for monitoring during examinations, processing of cases related to academic misconduct and keeping in mind the interests of students.
At present, investigation and action is going on in this entire matter at three levels. The Mumbai Police Crime Branch is investigating the events and CCTV footage leading up to Sahil's death, the IIT Bombay committee is reviewing the allegations and circumstances surrounding the institute and student organizations are monitoring the implementation of the 18-point demands. In such a situation, the new CCTV footage that has emerged is being considered as important evidence for the investigation, but it is too early to draw any conclusions on the final reasons of the case.