The Mumbai police questioned Suryanarayana Doolla, a professor at the Indian Institute of Technology Bombay (IIT-B), for nearly 10 hours in connection with the death of 22-year-old student Sahil Wakode, an official said on Saturday (October 3, 2026).

Professor Doolla, who faces allegations of harassment and caste-based discrimination from Mr. Wakode's parents, denied all charges during questioning on Thursday (October 1, 2026), the official said, adding that his statement had been officially recorded.

Mr. Wakode was found dead in his hostel room on the evening of September 18, 2026, hours after he was allegedly caught using his mobile phone to access ChatGPT during a mid-semester examination. An FIR was registered by the Powai police against Professor Doolla, based on a complaint lodged by the student's father.

Mr. Wakode's parents, who have been on a hunger strike at Azad Maidan in south Mumbai seeking justice for their son, have alleged caste discrimination at the institute, and have demanded the arrest of Professor Doolla and IIT Bombay Director Shireesh Kedare.

The crime branch, which is investigating the case, has so far recorded the statements of about 40 people, including the parents, students, friends, and institute and hostel staff, the official said. The police are also likely to summon Mr. Kedare soon to record his statement in connection with the case, the official added.

The IIT Bombay board earlier constituted a 10-member committee to inquire into the circumstances surrounding Mr. Wakode's death.

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