IIT Bombay student Sahil Ravindra Wakode reportedly told a close friend that he had “made a mistake” hours before his death, according to sources cited by NDTV.
Wakode, 22, was a second-year student in the Department of Energy Science and Engineering. He was found dead in his hostel room on the institute’s Powai campus on September 18.
According to investigators cited in media reports, Wakode spoke to his friend by phone at around 2:30 pm that day. The conversation was reportedly his last known phone call. His friend later told investigators about the conversation.
What Wakode Told His Friend
Sources quoted the friend as saying that Wakode spoke about his academic difficulties during the call.
He reportedly told her, “I made a mistake. My Thermodynamics paper also did not go well, and now this has happened.”
The friend reportedly asked him to remain calm and focus on his upcoming examinations. Wakode later stopped responding to calls, according to reports.
Investigators are examining the conversation as part of the wider probe into the circumstances surrounding his death.
Examination Incident Under Investigation
The development comes after an incident during a mid-semester examination at IIT Bombay.
According to reports, Wakode was stopped during the examination after an invigilator noticed that he had a mobile phone. Earlier reports had said that he allegedly used the phone to access ChatGPT during the examination.
CCTV footage from the examination hall has also become part of the investigation. The footage reportedly shows Wakode seated in the examination hall before an invigilator approached him. He then handed over a mobile phone before leaving the classroom.
The exact circumstances surrounding the examination incident remain under investigation.
IIT Bombay Withdraws Earlier Statement
The case has also led to questions over IIT Bombay’s earlier communication about Wakode’s death.
The institute initially issued statements that connected the events before his death with the examination incident. IIT Bombay later apologised and withdrew its earlier characterisation of the circumstances.
The institute said it was inappropriate to draw conclusions about the events leading to Wakode’s death while the investigation was still underway.
The change in the institute’s position has added to calls for a detailed and impartial investigation.
Family Raises Caste Discrimination Allegations
Wakode’s family has made separate allegations of caste-based discrimination.
His parents have said that their son had previously told them about caste-related remarks and discrimination. They have also alleged harassment involving a professor at the institute.
Professor Suryanarayana Doolla, who was reportedly supervising the examination, has been named in the FIR connected with the case. The FIR includes allegations related to abetment to suicide and provisions of the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act.
Doolla has denied wrongdoing through statements reported in connection with the case. He has also been sent on leave while the investigation continues.
Friend’s Conversation Does Not Mention Caste Issue
According to sources cited by NDTV, Wakode did not mention caste discrimination during his final reported conversation with his friend.
This differs from the allegations made by his parents about earlier conversations with their son. The distinction is important because investigators are examining multiple accounts of events leading up to his death.
The reported phone conversation alone does not establish the cause of Wakode’s death. Investigators are examining his communications, movements, examination-related events and other evidence.
IIT Bombay Forms High-Level Committee
IIT Bombay has formed a 10-member committee to examine the circumstances surrounding Wakode’s death.
The Mumbai Crime Branch is also investigating the case. Investigators are examining CCTV footage, witness statements and other evidence connected with the events at the institute.
Police have appealed to the public and media to avoid speculation and premature conclusions while the investigation continues.
The IIT Bombay Alumni Association has also called for a fair investigation and urged people to avoid a media trial.
Investigation Continues
The latest information has added another detail to the timeline surrounding Wakode’s death. His reported conversation with his friend took place hours after the examination incident and before he was found dead in his hostel room.
However, the investigation has not established a single cause for the death. Different claims have emerged from the family, the institute and other sources.
Authorities are continuing to examine the evidence. The findings of the police investigation and IIT Bombay’s committee are expected to provide further clarity on what happened in the hours before Wakode’s death.