IIT Bombay | Mumbai, India
The death of 20-year-old IIT Bombay student Sahil Ravindra Wakode has raised questions about academic pressure, student mental health, campus support and institutional response.
Sahil was a second-year B.Tech student in IIT Bombay’s Department of Energy Science and Engineering. On September 18, 2026, he was reportedly found using a mobile phone during a mid-semester examination supervised by Professor Suryanarayana Doolla. Later that day, Sahil died by suicide in his hostel room.
The Mumbai Crime Branch is investigating the circumstances surrounding his death, including the examination incident, his interactions with others and available digital evidence.
Sahil’s parents have also alleged that he faced caste-based remarks and harassment. Following their complaint, an FIR was registered naming Professor Doolla under provisions related to abetment to suicide and the SC/ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act. IIT Bombay has denied the caste discrimination allegations.
As of September 25, investigators had recorded statements from 20 people, while Professor Doolla’s statement had reportedly not yet been recorded. The investigation is ongoing, and no single factor has been established as the confirmed cause of Sahil’s death.
September 18 examination: The exam became a key part of the investigation as it was one of Sahil’s last known interactions before his death.
Exam incident: CCTV reportedly showed Sahil looking at something in his pocket between 12:30 pm and 12:45 pm. Professor Doolla questioned him and took him aside. Investigators are examining what happened during this interaction.
Return to hostel: Sahil was reportedly seen entering his hostel room around 1:25 pm. Police are examining CCTV footage to reconstruct his movements during this period.
Phone and laptop: His newer iPhone remains inaccessible due to a pattern lock, while his laptop has reportedly been sent for forensic examination.
NCSC involvement: NCSC chairman Kishor Makwana visited IIT Bombay and asked authorities to preserve CCTV footage, electronic evidence and official records related to the case.
Family’s demand: Sahil’s parents have demanded action against Professor Doolla and a faster investigation.
Investigation ongoing: Police are examining the exam incident, harassment allegations, Sahil’s mental state and other circumstances. The investigation has not yet established a single confirmed cause of his death.
Beyond the legal and institutional questions, the Sahil Wakode case has brought student mental health and academic pressure back into public discussion. Students in highly competitive institutions may experience stress related to exams, coursework, peer competition, family expectations, financial concerns, social adjustment and career uncertainty. These factors do not automatically explain an individual death, but they show why mental health support for students should be an important part of academic life.
Mental health difficulties are not always easy to notice. A student may continue attending classes and performing well while struggling emotionally in private. Some common signs can include:
Reports about Sahil’s life also show why these concerns may not always be visible to parents or classmates. His family told The Indian Express that they had spoken with him shortly before his death and had not noticed signs suggesting immediate distress. Reports also described him as academically capable and involved in activities outside academics, including sports.
The key takeaway for parents and educators is that academic performance does not always reflect emotional wellbeing. Regular communication, accessible counselling and a supportive environment can help students talk about stress and emotional difficulties before they become overwhelming.
Getting into an IIT does not always mean academic pressure disappears. Students may continue facing academic pressure, peer comparison, family expectations, career anxiety and fear of failure. Even high-performing students can start feeling inadequate when they constantly compare themselves with others.
The IIT Bombay case has also highlighted concerns around student mental health and the impact of other campus experiences. Sahil’s parents have alleged caste-based remarks and harassment, while IIT Bombay has denied the allegations. The investigation is ongoing.
Academic pressure: Exams, grades and fear of failure.
Peer comparison: Feeling that others are performing better.
Family expectations: Fear of disappointing parents.
Discrimination or exclusion: Feeling isolated or unheard.
Fear of judgment: Hesitating to discuss stress or failure.
Career anxiety: Worrying about future opportunities.
However, no single exam, academic incident or personal difficulty should be presented as the sole cause of suicide. Suicide is complex and can involve multiple factors.
The IIT Bombay investigation is examining CCTV footage, witness statements, electronic evidence and Sahil’s broader circumstances. For student mental health, the larger lesson is that academic accountability and emotional support should go together. Colleges need clear grievance systems, accessible counselling and an environment where students can ask for help without fear or stigma.
For parents, perhaps the most important takeaway is that communication with a child should not begin only when there is an obvious crisis. Parents can create regular opportunities for conversations that are not centred on marks, examinations, college placements or career achievements.
Instead of repeatedly asking:
“How much did you score?”
parents can also ask:
“How have you been feeling lately?”
“What has been difficult for you?”
“Is there anything happening in college that is bothering you?”
“Do you feel comfortable talking to your teachers?”
“Are you getting enough rest?”
“Do you feel that you belong there?”
“Is there something you are afraid to tell us?”
“Do you want me to listen or help you find a solution?”
These questions communicate that the child’s emotional wellbeing matters independently of academic performance.
Student mental health needs attention before a situation becomes a crisis. Academic pressure, exam stress, loneliness, peer comparison, family expectations, bullying or discrimination can affect a student’s emotional wellbeing. Parents and colleges can help by noticing changes early and making mental health support for students easy to access. Parents should pay attention to persistent changes such as:
Social withdrawal or isolation
Changes in sleep or appetite
Loss of interest in studies, hobbies or activities
Frequent anxiety, irritability or sadness
Feelings of worthlessness or hopelessness
Sudden academic decline
Statements suggesting that life has become unbearable
These signs do not automatically mean that a student is experiencing a mental health crisis. Parents should not try to diagnose their child. Instead, they can use these changes as an opportunity to start a calm conversation and consider professional counselling or psychological support.
A poor grade or academic setback should not become a family crisis. Parents can remind students that academic performance does not define their personal worth. Instead of focusing only on results, parents can say:
“Your result matters, but your wellbeing matters more. We can work on the problem together.” This gives students the confidence to discuss academic stress, failure and career concerns without feeling like a disappointment.
Colleges can make student mental health support more accessible by providing confidential counselling, clear grievance systems and trained faculty or hostel staff who can recognise signs of serious emotional distress. Support should also cover concerns such as academic stress, anxiety, depression, bullying, discrimination and relationship difficulties. Regular awareness programmes and peer-support systems can make seeking help a normal part of campus life.
Students do not have to manage intense academic stress or emotional distress alone. Speaking with a trusted friend, parent, teacher, counsellor or mental health professional can be an important first step.
If a student feels hopeless, unable to cope or has thoughts of self-harm, they should seek immediate professional help and avoid staying alone with those thoughts. In India, Tele-MANAS provides 24/7 mental health support at 14416 or 1800-89-14416. In an immediate emergency, contact local emergency services or go to the nearest emergency medical facility.
Most importantly, talking about mental health, depression or suicide should not be treated as something shameful. A supportive conversation can help a student feel heard, understood and more comfortable seeking the help they need.
Sahil Ravindra Wakode was a 20-year-old second-year B.Tech student at IIT Bombay.
Sahil died by suicide on September 18, 2026. The Mumbai Crime Branch is investigating the circumstances.
CCTV reportedly showed Sahil looking at something in his pocket. Professor Suryanarayana Doolla questioned him, and the interaction is being investigated.
Reports said he was allegedly using a mobile phone to access an AI platform. The exact circumstances remain under investigation.
Sahil’s parents alleged caste-based harassment and other conduct that they believe contributed to his distress. An FIR was registered against Professor Doolla.
No. IIT Bombay denied the allegations and said Sahil had not filed a complaint with its SC/ST cell or administration.
Police are examining the exam incident, CCTV footage, witness statements, digital evidence and Sahil’s circumstances before his death.
Investigators believe the phone may provide information about communications and digital activity before his death. The device reportedly remains inaccessible.
The Mumbai Crime Branch had recorded statements from 20 people, according to reports dated September 25, 2026.
According to the latest reported update, Professor Doolla’s statement had not yet been recorded.
The case has raised wider concerns about student mental health, academic pressure and emotional distress. No single cause of Sahil’s death has been established.
Parents can maintain open, non-judgmental communication and seek professional counselling or mental health support when distress becomes persistent or severe.
Tele-MANAS: 14416 or 1800-89-14416, available 24/7. In an immediate emergency, seek emergency medical assistance.
Reporting should avoid sensationalism and unnecessary details about the death while focusing on verified facts, the ongoing investigation and available mental health support.
Feeling suicidal or in crisis? Contact a helpline or emergency service immediately.
1. Vandrevala Foundation Helpline:
+91 9999666555 (24x7)
2. Sanjivini (Delhi-based):
011-40769002 (10 am - 5:30 pm)
3. Sneha Foundation (Chennai-based):
044-24640050 (8 am - 10 pm)
4. National Mental Health Helpline: 1800-599-0019
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