IIT Bombay student Sahil Wakode, who died by suicide on September 18, allegedly signed an apology letter after being removed from an examination hall over suspected academic malpractice, according to sources cited in reports. The institute’s formal procedure, however, does not list an apology letter as part of the prescribed process.
Under IIT Bombay’s April 2015 procedure for academic malpractice, an invigilator who detects misconduct is required to confiscate relevant material, such as a phone or unauthorised notes. The student is then to receive a fresh answer book and be allowed to continue the examination.
The procedure also requires a detailed report to be submitted to the Head of Department, who refers the case to the Departmental Academic Disciplinary Action Committee (D-ADAC). The committee examines the available evidence and determines whether malpractice occurred. If the evidence is unclear, the procedure states that the benefit of doubt goes to the student.
According to sources, Wakode was removed from the examination hall around 12:38 pm and subsequently taken to senior officials, where he allegedly signed a written apology. CCTV footage reportedly showed him returning to his hostel room at around 1:25 pm.
Students protesting on campus have questioned whether the prescribed procedure was followed in his case. IIT Bombay was contacted for a response regarding the alleged apology letter, but reports said the institute had not responded.
Meanwhile, the Mumbai Crime Branch is investigating the circumstances surrounding Wakode’s death and has collected CCTV footage and statements from people connected to the case.
