IIT Bombay Student Dies by Suicide After Being Caught Using AI During Exam

Mumbai, September 19 (Daily Kiran) : A student at IIT Bombay has tragically taken his own life after being caught using a mobile phone to access AI during an examination. This incident marks the third suicide reported at the Powai campus in the last six months. Following the news, students organized protests on campus.

The deceased, identified as Sahil Wakode, was a second-year student in the Energy Science and Engineering department. According to the institution, Wakode had sought answers to exam questions using .

IIT Bombay stated that no disciplinary action was initiated against the student after the incident. Faculty members, including the exam instructor and department head, spoke with him, assuring him that this incident would not negatively impact his career.

After this conversation, Wakode returned to his hostel room, where he was later found dead that evening.

In a statement, IIT Bombay expressed its sorrow over the student’s death and confirmed that they are providing support to those affected. The institution mentioned that they are assisting Wakode’s friends, classmates, faculty members, and others impacted by this tragic event. Additionally, they stated that relevant authorities are investigating the circumstances surrounding the death.

Following the incident, a group of students gathered to protest. They accused the administration of failing to disclose all information related to the student’s death. Protesters claimed that Wakode had been threatened with a one-year suspension due to the exam incident, which could have forced him to leave the hostel and live off-campus.

Students also voiced concerns that such disciplinary actions could extend their engineering courses beyond the typical four-year duration. They suggested that the fear and pressure related to potential disciplinary outcomes may have contributed to the student’s decision to take his life. One student noted that several similar incidents have occurred on campus this year.

The protesters demanded greater transparency and accountability from the administration. One student remarked, “We gathered to protest because a suicide has occurred at our college today. We are here to demand accountability and transparency from the administration.”

In response to the protests, a significant police presence was deployed on campus. Discussions also took place between student representatives and the administration. Senior police officer Dattatraya Nalavade confirmed that an investigation into the student’s death is ongoing. He noted that students had gathered to express their concerns, while IIT administration sought to resolve the situation through dialogue.