The parents of Sahil Wakode, the second-year student found dead on the IIT Bombay Powai campus last week, on Tuesday, 22 September demanded the immediate arrest of professor Suryanarayana Doolla, who was earlier removed from his position as Dean, Students Welfare at the institute. The family has alleged caste-based harassment and torture, and has called on police to act swiftly.

What the Family Alleged

Sahil's father, Ravindra Wakode, told reporters: 'Investigation into the case is underway, but the police should arrest Suryanarayana Doolla at the earliest. This is my appeal.' Showing a copy of the First Information Report (FIR), he confirmed that appropriate sections had been added and that the investigation would proceed accordingly.

Ravindra Wakode reiterated his earlier allegation that his son was subjected to caste-based abuse and discrimination. 'He was tortured; this is not suicide. He was an extremely bright student; clearing the JEE Advanced exam is not easy. Some people may say that he cheated in that exam too...such baseless allegations are being put across to divert attention from the real matter,' he said. He added that his biggest regret was having asked Sahil to adjust to the situation at IIT for the sake of his future.

Sahil's mother, Sonali Wakode, said: 'It was our mistake that we gave him moral support when we had gone to meet him at his hostel...had we taken away our son that day, when he had shared that he was being subjected to torture, he would have been alive today.' She said, however, that the family retains faith in the judiciary to deliver justice.

Background: How the Incident Unfolded

Sahil Wakode was reportedly found dead on the IIT Powai campus last week, a few hours after he was allegedly caught using a mobile phone during an examination by institute authorities. His death triggered protests by students on campus. Professor Suryanarayana Doolla, who held the post of Dean, Students Welfare at the time, was subsequently sacked from that administrative role.

Probe Status and Key Evidence

The Mumbai Crime Branch recorded the statements of Sahil's parents on Tuesday. Investigators face a significant hurdle: Sahil possessed an iPhone that is currently locked, and officials are seeking technical assistance to access it. According to officials, details such as his ChatGPT history can only be retrieved after the device is unlocked, which is crucial to verifying certain claims in the case.

Police have also stated their intention to write to the institute's SC/ST Cell and Student Counselling Centre to ascertain whether Sahil had ever lodged a complaint or sought counselling there previously.

Institutional Context and What Comes Next

IIT Bombay's Powai campus has both an SC/ST Cell and a Student Counselling Centre where students can report grievances. The case has drawn national attention to the safety and welfare of marginalised students at premier institutions, with questions being raised about the adequacy of complaint and support mechanisms. The outcome of the technical unlocking of Sahil's phone is expected to be a turning point in the investigation.