IIT Bombay Student Death Case: Crime Branch Struggles To Unlock iPhone; Exams Postponed, Congress MP Varsha Gaikwad Detained
Mumbai, September 24, 2026: The Mumbai Crime Branch is facing a major challenge in its investigation into the alleged suicide of 22-year-old IIT Bombay student Sahil Wakhode, as investigators have so far been unable to unlock his iPhone. According to a senior police officer, the Crime Branch has sent Wakhode’s iPhone and Apple laptop to forensic experts in an attempt to unlock the devices.…
On September 24, 2026, the Mumbai Crime Branch is grappling with the case of IIT Bombay student Sahil Wakhode's death, suspected to be a suicide. The police are struggling to access his iPhone and Apple laptop, as they have yet to unlock the devices. Investigators believe crucial information about Wakhode's death could be found within the devices.
The Crime Branch is investigating events on September 18, interviewing people with potential knowledge of the case, and examining statements from over 25 individuals, including IIT Bombay staff, students, and Wakhode's family. CCTV footage allegedly showing the examination hall on September 18 has surfaced, capturing around 20 minutes before the exam ended.
The family alleges they were taken to Yavatmal without forewarning and are considering returning to Mumbai for a hunger strike. Wakhode's parents met with the National Commission for Scheduled Castes chairperson on Thursday, demanding the immediate arrest of professor Suryanarayana Doolla and IIT Bombay director Shireesh Kedare.
Congress MP Varsha Gaikwad, along with numerous party workers and National Students Union of India (NSUI) activists, detained Gaikwad for solidarity with Wakhode's family, accusing the ruling establishment of harming the education system and labeling the incident an "institutional murder." IIT Bombay has postponed mid-semester exams from September 26-27 to October 10-11.
The institute also apologized for premature statements made earlier regarding the circumstances surrounding Wakhode's death.
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