Crime branch to probe IIT-Bombay student death case; faculty forum backs professor named in FIR

Mumbai Police have transferred the investigation into the death of second-year IIT-Bombay student Sahil to the Crime Branch, with an Assistant Commissioner of Police leading the inquiry. The Faculty Forum of IIT Bombay expressed condolences to his family but defended Professor Suryanarayana Doolla, who is accused of harassment and is named in the FIR alongside other institute officials.

The forum stated that Doolla followed academic policies when reporting Sahil for possessing a phone during the examination, which allegedly led to his death.

Sahil was found deceased in his hostel room on September 18, 2026, after Doolla, who was invigilating the exam, reported him. The student's family alleged that they were subjected to casteist remarks, and his father, Ravindra, mentioned in the FIR that Doolla had harassed him for three months. The FIR invoked the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act.

On the day of the examination, the family and some students claimed that officials took Sahil out of the hall and threatened him with suspension, although the institute denied initiating any disciplinary action. Institute director Shireesh Kedare denied any caste-based discrimination, asserting that such information about students is confidential and not accessible to faculty or administrators. The institute's SC/ST cell stated that they had not received a complaint from Sahil regarding caste-based discrimination.

The family and students called for assistance in overcoming suicidal thoughts, providing contact information for state health helpline 104, Tele-MANAS 14416, and Sneha's suicide prevention helpline 044-24640050.