IIT Bombay Alumni Association seeks fair probe, opposes 'media trial' in suicide row

The IIT Bombay Alumni Association (IITBAA) on Tuesday sought a fair and speedy investigation into the alleged suicide of student Sahil Wakode, and said there should be no "media trial". "We fully support a fair, transparent, and speedy investigation into this tragic event, and urge that all procedures be conducted with complete fairness and without prejudice. We strongly appeal against online speculation, media trials, or nasty conclusions directed at any individual," IITBAA said in a statement.

IIT Bombay was going through an extremely difficult period, the statement said, adding that its students, faculty members and staff deserve an environment that is equitable, inclusive, safe, and supportive of their well-being. "We stand ready to collaborate with the institute to strengthen mental health resources, support campus well-being, and help rebuild trust across our entire community," the statement added.

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Sahil Wakode, a second-year B Tech student in the Department of Energy Science and Engineering, was found hanging in his hostel room on September 18 evening, hours after being caught allegedly using a mobile phone to access ChatGPT during a mid-semester examination. His parents on Tuesday claimed that he had told them about the caste-based slurs he faced.