The comprehensive investigation into the untimely demise of Sahil Wakode, a student at IIT Bombay, continues to bring forward contrasting narratives and detailed testimonies regarding his time at the premier institution. In the wake of the tragedy, Sahil's family has come forward with grave allegations, asserting that he was subjected to persistent caste-based discrimination, targeted derogatory remarks, and unyielding institutional pressure. Following their formal complaint, law enforcement authorities registered a case against faculty members, including Professor Suryanarayana Doolla. Conversely, a close friend of Sahil has offered a perspective that diverges significantly from the family's claims, recounting that Sahil had never spoken of any caste prejudice or hostility and had appeared completely cheerful, composed, and ordinary during an encounter only days before his death.
Active Campus Life and Sociable Demeanour
Looking back at their years together, Sahil's close friend noted that their bond formed right at the beginning of their academic journey at IIT Bombay. During their initial year, both students resided in adjacent dormitory rooms, which quickly cemented a close, everyday friendship. Outside lecture halls and coursework, the pair frequently played badminton together and engaged in campus sports. The friend emphasised that Sahil was far from being an isolated student; he was thoroughly involved in student life, took genuine pleasure in campus activities, and thoroughly enjoyed spending long hours with his circle of friends.
Describing Sahil's personality, the companion characterised him as naturally warm, accessible, and sociable. He made regular rounds to greet friends across different wings, and often hung out at campus cafeterias and common food stalls to chat over meals. Even after their initial academic year concluded and room allocations separated them physically across different blocks, their personal rapport remained unbroken, with both maintaining regular contact and catching up on their respective daily routines.
The Final Encounter Before the Tragedy
Just a few days prior to his death, Sahil dropped by his friend's hostel room for an impromptu catch-up. According to the friend, the brief meeting was entirely routine and unexceptional. Sahil arrived carrying light snacks, and the two spent several minutes talking casually about regular everyday matters. The friend affirmed that nothing in Sahil's demeanour, conversation, or physical behaviour indicated that he was grappling with overwhelming distress, internal anxiety, or severe crisis at that point in time.
Friend's Perspective on Allegations of Discrimination
The assertions made by Sahil's family remain central to the ongoing legal proceedings, with their statements alleging that he faced hostile remarks tied to his caste background and acute psychological duress. Based upon their detailed deposition, the police registered charges against Professor Suryanarayana Doolla and others, prompting an active criminal investigation into the circumstances surrounding the student's passing.
However, Sahil's close confidant pointed out that throughout their extended interaction, Sahil never confided in him regarding any caste-related mistreatment, marginalisation, or systemic harassment. In fact, the friend explained that he was not even aware of Sahil's specific caste identity and had never witnessed any discriminatory behaviour directed at him within the university environment. While this reflection represents the friend's personal impressions and direct observations, it does not officially substantiate or invalidate the serious claims put forth by the bereaved family, which remain under active legal examination by investigating officers.
Professor Doolla's Reputation and the Exam Room Episode
Addressing the academic environment, the friend described Professor Suryanarayana Doolla as an educator widely recognised among students for maintaining an exacting, rigorous, and strictly disciplined standard in classroom matters. Nevertheless, Sahil had never communicated any grievance regarding personal bias, disparaging slurs, or harassment stemming from the professor.
The events that transpired inside the examination hall on the morning of Sahil's death have emerged as a critical element of the official probe. According to available accounts, an examination invigilation incident occurred where Sahil was found in possession of a mobile handset, following which Professor Doolla questioned him and subsequently escorted him away from the exam room. The security camera footage documenting these moments is currently being evaluated by the Crime Branch. The friend clarified that because they belonged to separate academic departments, he possessed no direct knowledge of what occurred once Sahil was led out of the examination venue.
Questions Surrounding Access to Entrance Exam Rankings
Discussions surrounding the incident have also brought renewed attention to past debates regarding faculty access to students' Joint Entrance Examination (JEE) ranks at IIT Bombay. Past contentions suggested that certain faculty members had access to incoming candidates' entrance examination scores, prompting questions about whether such awareness could colour academic interactions. Nevertheless, these assertions lack independent verification from available institutional records and should not be treated as confirmed findings of the investigation.
The Exam Incident, Mobile Device, and ChatGPT Allegations
Hours before his tragic death, Sahil had appeared for an scheduled academic assessment. In an initial public communication, IIT Bombay stated that a mobile phone had been discovered with the student during the test, alleging that he attempted to upload the test paper onto ChatGPT to obtain unauthorized answers. Subsequently, the institute issued an apology regarding its hasty initial public announcement, acknowledging that the underlying facts and contextual pressures of the incident were still under formal inquiry. Meanwhile, Sahil's family strongly disputed the cheating allegations, demanding that preliminary accusations not be portrayed as settled facts before a comprehensive, transparent investigation is concluded.
Crime Branch Reconstructs the Timeline
In view of the gravity of the matter, the investigation was transferred to the Mumbai Crime Branch, which is presently undertaking an exhaustive reconstruction of the entire incident. Detectives are examining surveillance recordings from the examination hall, surrounding corridors, hostel buildings, and campus pathways, while also recording detailed statements from fellow classmates, invigilators, and academic staff. Security recordings from the test facility depict Professor Doolla speaking with Sahil and separating him from the remaining students, followed by later footage capturing Sahil's eventual return to his hostel room.
Two Conflicting Portrayals Awaiting Definitive Answers
At present, the inquiry navigates between two distinct narratives. On one hand, Sahil's grieving family insists that institutional hostility and caste-oriented discrimination drove the young scholar to an unbearable threshold. On the other hand, the account of his long-time companion presents a lively, well-adjusted student whose outward conduct remained consistent until his final days. Unravelling the precise sequence of events during the examination, the dialogue between Sahil and Professor Doolla, and the psychological impact of those final hours remains crucial to determining the truth.
