IIT Bombay Student Sahil Wakode Death Case: FSL Unlocks 3 Devices, iPhone Remains Locked; Crime Branch Awaits Report

Mumbai: The Forensic Science Laboratory (FSL) in Mumbai has unlocked three devices, including a mobile phone, tablet, and laptop, belonging to IIT Bombay student Sahil Wakode in the alleged abetment of suicide case. However, an Apple iPhone remains locked, awaiting examination. The retrieved data may reveal if Sahil left a suicide note or communicated with someone before his death on September 18.

The police are awaiting the FSL's detailed report to analyze the devices and identify any communication that could shed light on the circumstances surrounding his death. The Mumbai Crime Branch, investigating the case, has recorded statements from IIT Bombay professor Suryanarayana Doolla and institute director Shirish Kedare. Doolla was questioned for nearly 10 hours, while Kedare's statement was recorded over eight hours.

The Crime Branch is interested in the written apology Sahil was allegedly made to submit during a mid-semester examination for accessing ChatGPT on his mobile phone. Over 70 individuals, including Sahil's parents, fellow students, hostel staff, have been questioned. Sahil's father filed a complaint alleging caste-based harassment, claiming his son had faced such treatment for three months and feared being implicated in a false case.

Sahil was found hanging in his hostel room, leading to a hunger strike by his parents, who accuse Doolla and Kedare of caste discrimination and demand their arrest.