The Mumbai Crime Branch, which is investigating the death of IIT-Bombay student Sahil Wakode, has recorded the statement of a friend who was reportedly the last person to speak to him over the phone call before his death. The friend is among at least six students whose statements have been recorded so far.
According to the friend’s statement, Sahil Wakode spoke about his Thermodynamics theory paper during the call. He reportedly said the exam had not gone well and that he was worried because he wanted to score well. He also allegedly told her that he had been caught cheating during the examination. This claim has not been independently verified and is part of the ongoing investigation.
What Sahil told his friend
The friend told investigators that Sahil appeared stressed during the conversation. However, police have so far not found any clear indication of stress or distress in the material examined during the probe.
Sahil was a second-year BTech student of the Department of Energy Science and Engineering. He was found dead in his hostel room on September 18, hours after the examination.
The Crime Branch is examining Sahil’s phone records and conversations with friends. His iPhone remains locked with a password, and forensic experts have not yet been able to access it. Police are hoping to recover his last calls, messages and other data. Several missed-call notifications were reportedly visible on the phone and are also being examined to establish a timeline.
20 people questioned so far
The Crime Branch has so far recorded statements from 20 people, including students who were present during the examination, invigilators and administrative officials. Police are also questioning students and other witnesses who interacted with Sahil before his death.
Investigators are examining CCTV footage from the examination hall, campus and hostel. The footage shows Sahil leaving the exam hall after he was asked to do so and returning later. The CCTV material has been sent for forensic analysis.
Police will also record the statement of Prof Suryanarayana Doolla, who was present during the examination.
Investigation into September 18 events
According to police, Sahil left the examination hall on September 18 and returned to his hostel room. IIT-Bombay had earlier said that he was caught using ChatGPT on his mobile phone during the examination. He was later found dead in his hostel room after he did not respond to attempts to contact him.
The Crime Branch took over the investigation on September 19. Police are examining the examination incident, allegations of caste discrimination and other events before his death. Investigators have not yet established whether the examination incident or any other factor was linked to his death.
Meanwhile, Sahil’s parents have appealed to IIT-Bombay students to continue their protest and preserve any evidence related to his death. His father said he had visited the campus two or three times but was unable to enter. He also said he planned to begin a hunger strike at Azad Maidan from Monday, seeking access to the institute and justice for his son.
