IIT-Bombay Director Signs Student Demands After Suicide Over Exam Cheating Allegations

A large student protest erupted at IIT-Bombay after second-year BTech student Sahil Wakode took his own life following an alleged exam-cheating incident involving a mobile phone and an AI answer platform. On Sunday night, director Shireesh Kedare convened a three-hour meeting at the campus gate, during which the administration recorded and signed an 18-point demand sheet presented by the protesters. Key demands call for the suspension of professor Suryanarayana Doolla, who invigilated the exam, an independent investigation committee with student and external members, compensation for Wakode’s family, and a new faculty code of conduct.

The institute’s Board of Governors is set to discuss the matter on Monday, and an open house with all parties is expected before Sept 22. Meanwhile, the faculty forum issued a statement supporting Doolla, asserting he followed institute policies while reporting the malpractice. The campus also announced the replacement of hostel ceiling fans with wall-mounted units, a measure previously promised after a prior student suicide.