{
  "id": 9418966,
  "title": "IIT Bombay Student Sahil Wakhode Suicide Probe Hinges On iPhone Access As Crime Branch Examines Exam-Day Events",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/23/iit-bombay-student-sahil-wakhode-suicide-probe-hinges-on-iphone",
  "topic": "tech",
  "section": "Tech",
  "published": "2026-09-23T20:48:37.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Free Press Journal",
    "slug": "free-press-journal",
    "url": "https://www.freepressjournal.in/education/iit-bombay-student-sahil-wakhode-suicide-probe-hinges-on-iphone-access-as-crime-branch-examines-exam-day-events"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "The Mumbai Crime Branch is struggling to progress its investigation into the alleged suicide of IIT Bombay student Sahil Wakhode, due to his iPhone remaining inaccessible. The probe centers around the events of September 18, when Wakhode reportedly took his own life. It was claimed that the student used his mobile during a mid-semester exam, a matter which a professor noticed. A theory suggested that Wakhode returned home after being caught cheating, and subsequently took his own life.\n\nHowever, investigators are currently blocked from accessing the iPhone's data, which could provide crucial insights into the sequence of events. With the help of technical assistance, they are working to unlock the device and examine its contents, which could unravel key details in the case. The investigation is also focusing on statements from other students, and the possibility of ChatGPT involvement once the phone's data is analyzed. The police have also recorded statements from Wakhode's parents, who allege they were taken from their home without informing them they'd be taken to Yavatmal. The family is contemplating returning to Mumbai and staging a hunger strike. CCTV footage from the examination hall also surfaced, reportedly showing Wakhode sitting and writing his exam, followed by an interaction with a teacher. The authenticity of this footage is being investigated to establish the sequence of events before Wakhode left the examination hall.",
  "summary": "Mumbai: 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 his iPhone has not yet been unlocked. Investigators Probe Events Before Student’s Death The Crime Branch is investigating what exactly happened on September 18, the day Wakhode died by suicide. It had been alleged that Wakhode used his…",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}