IIT Bombay forms panel to probe student’s death

IIT Bombay on Wednesday (September 23, 2026) set up a committee with 10 members to probe the circumstances around the death of Sahil Ravindra Wakode, age 20, a student at the institute, on September 18, 2026. The institute’s Board constituted the panel. The panel may question Professor Suryanarayana Doolla, who has been named in the case, an official said.

Prof. Doolla has been sent on leave. This was to facilitate a probe without bias, sources said.

The Mumbai Police have transferred the probe into Wakode’s death to the Crime Branch. An officer of the rank of Assistant Commissioner of Police will lead the probe. Deputy Commissioner of Police (Detection-I) will supervise the investigation. The case has been registered at the Powai police station.

On Monday (September 21, 2026), Mr. Doolla was removed as Dean, Administrative Affairs, following protests over Wakode’s death