IIT Bombay protests erupt after student suicide linked to cheating accusations
A second-year student at IIT Bombay died by suicide hours after being accused of using a phone to upload exam questions to ChatGPT, sparking protests on campus.
On Thursday, a second-year Energy Science & Engineering student at IIT Bombay, Sahil Wakude, was accused of cheating by using a mobile phone to upload the examination paper to ChatGPT. Police officials reported that he faced no formal disciplinary measures and was assured the incident would not impact his studies. Within hours, Wakude died by suicide, triggering an immediate outcry among his peers.
Students assembled on campus, raising slogans and criticizing Director Shireesh Kedare for delaying a meeting until four hours after the protests started. Authorities relocated the gathering to the Convocation Hall, and the institute postponed the ongoing mid-semester examinations. This incident marks the fourth suicide recorded at IIT Bombay this year, intensifying concerns over student welfare and exam integrity.
Why it matters
The case underscores rising mental-health pressures and integrity issues in elite Indian universities.
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