IIT Bombay Student Dies by Suicide After Exam Disciplinary Action Over Alleged ChatGPT Use; Students Protest

A second-year student of IIT Bombay died by suicide on Friday evening after being caught using a mobile phone during an examination, according to the institute.

The incident sparked protests at the Powai campus, with students seeking answers from the administration over the circumstances surrounding the student’s death. The student was identified as Sahil Wakode, who was pursuing studies in the Department of Energy Science and Engineering. IIT Bombay said he had uploaded the examination question paper to ChatGPT during the test in an attempt to obtain answers.

IIT Bombay Says Student Was Counselled

According to the institute, no disciplinary proceedings had been initiated against Wakode following the examination incident.

IIT Bombay said the matter was discussed with him by the concerned instructor and the Head of the Department. The student was counselled and was reportedly assured that the incident would not have an adverse impact on his academic career.

He subsequently returned to his hostel room. Later that evening, he was found dead in his room.

The institute expressed deep sorrow over the death and said it was providing support to the student’s friends, classmates, faculty members and others affected by the incident.

IIT Bombay also said that the circumstances surrounding the death were being investigated by the appropriate authorities.

Student’s Family Seeks Justice

Wakode’s mother has alleged that her son faced harassment and has demanded an investigation into his death.

She said she had filed a complaint and called for justice. The allegations made by the family are part of the circumstances being examined and have not been independently established.

Students Hold Protest at IIT Bombay

Following news of the death, students gathered on the Powai campus to protest and demand greater transparency from the administration.

Some students alleged that Wakode had been threatened with a one-year suspension after the examination. They claimed that such disciplinary action could have required him to leave the hostel and potentially extended the duration of his engineering course.

The institute, however, has said that no disciplinary action had been initiated against the student and that he had been counselled after the examination.

The claims regarding a possible suspension have not been independently verified.

A student participating in the protest said the gathering was aimed at seeking accountability, transparency and answers from the administration. Students also raised broader concerns about the number of student deaths reported on campus.

Police Begin Investigation

Police personnel were deployed on the IIT Bombay campus following the protest.

Senior police officer Dattatray Nalawade said an investigation into the student’s death was underway. He said students had gathered following the incident and that the institute administration was holding discussions with them in an effort to address their concerns.

The incident has also brought renewed attention to student well-being and academic pressure on campus. However, the exact circumstances and factors surrounding Wakode’s death remain under investigation.

IIT Bombay has reiterated that it is supporting members of the campus community affected by the tragedy while the authorities examine the case.

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