The institute’s Board constituted the panel, which is expected to question Professor Suryanarayana Doolla – the faculty member named in the First Information Report – and to examine all circumstances surrounding the student’s death.
Wakode, a second‑year student in the Department of Energy Science and Engineering, was found dead in his hostel room on the evening of September 18, hours after campus officials caught him using a phone to access ChatGPT during an exam. His father, Ravindra Wakode, filed an FIR on September 19 that named Professor Doolla and included charges of abetment of suicide and violations of the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act.
Following protests on campus, the institute placed Professor Doolla on leave and removed him from his post as Dean of Administrative Affairs on September 21. The move was described by sources as intended to ensure an unbiased investigation.
The Mumbai Police have now handed the case to the Crime Branch. An Assistant Commissioner of Police will lead the investigation, with the Deputy Commissioner of Police (Detection‑I) supervising. Investigators are reviewing Wakode’s movements and the events that led to his death, and have pledged to conduct the probe with diligence and impartiality.
Classes have resumed at IIT Bombay, and the institute, together with the police, has reminded students and the public to avoid speculation. Suicide‑prevention helplines – Tele‑MANAS (14416) and Sneha’s helpline (044‑24640050) – have been publicised for anyone needing support.