IIT-Bombay suicide case: Pattern lock keeps Sahil Wakode's iPhone inaccessible, prof Doolla’s statement not recorded yet

Professor Suryanarayana Doolla (L), Ravindra and Sonali Wakode (C)

MUMBAI: The Mumbai Crime Branch on Thursday recorded the statements of 20 people in connection with the death of IIT Bombay student Sahil Wakode, sources told news agency ANI.The statements include those of students and staff members of the institute, including students who were present in the examination hall when Wakode was allegedly caught using a mobile phone to access AI platform during a mid-semester examination on September 18.Investigators have also recorded the statements of teachers who were supervising the examination and hostel staff members, sources said.The statement of Professor Suryanarayana Doolla, who was involved in the examination-related incident, has not yet been recorded, according to sources.

Police unable to access student’s phone

Investigators have so far been unable to retrieve much information from Wakode’s mobile phone because it is secured with a pattern lock, sources told ANI.The phone’s display showed notifications of several missed calls but investigators have not yet been able to ascertain whom Wakode had called or who had called him.Also read: IIT-Bombay delays tests as faculty calls for ‘student-friendly’ SOP on handling exam misconductPolice and the Crime Branch began investigating the case after Wakode was found hanging in his hostel room on the evening of September 18, hours after the examination incident.

NCSC examines events before death

The National Commission for Scheduled Castes (NCSC) chairman Kishor Makwana conducted a detailed spot inquiry at IIT Bombay on Thursday following allegations by Wakode’s family of caste-based discrimination, harassment and other circumstances preceding his death.Wakode was a second-year BTech student in the Department of Energy Science and Engineering and belonged to the Scheduled Caste community.During his visit, Makwana met senior IIT Bombay authorities, including the director, deputy director, registrar, concerned faculty members and other officials, the NCSC said in a statement.The commission sought a detailed account of the events preceding Wakode’s death, particularly the September 18 examination incident and the procedure followed after he was questioned.It also examined the role of the concerned faculty and institute authorities, as well as mechanisms available for addressing student grievances and protecting Scheduled Caste students.Makwana visited the Department of Energy Science and Engineering and inspected the classroom and examination hall where the alleged academic malpractice took place. He also sought information on the circumstances in which Wakode was questioned and subsequently left the examination venue.

NCSC asks police to preserve evidence

The commission asked IIT Bombay and investigating authorities to preserve relevant records, CCTV footage, electronic evidence, official communications and other material connected with the case.Makwana also visited Wakode’s hostel and his room and interacted with classmates and other students to understand his academic and campus experience and the events preceding his death.He later held a meeting with senior police officials, including the director general of police, commissioner of police and officers from the Crime Branch investigation team.The NCSC reviewed the progress of the investigation, including the FIR, collection and preservation of evidence, CCTV footage and examination of witnesses.Makwana directed the investigating authorities to conduct a “fair, impartial, comprehensive and expeditious investigation” and examine every relevant allegation and circumstance without prejudice.Police were also asked to collect and examine documentary, electronic, forensic and testimonial evidence and record the statements of students, faculty members, institute officials and other relevant people wherever necessary.The NCSC chairman directed the authorities to submit a detailed Action Taken/Investigation Report to the commission at the earliest.

Family stages protest at Azad Maidan

Wakode’s parents, Ravindra and Sonali Wakode, staged a sit-in at Azad Maidan in Mumbai on Thursday, demanding the immediate arrest of prof Doolla and calling for the investigation to be fast-tracked.Speaking to reporters, Ravindra Wakode said the family was seeking strict action against the faculty member while making clear that it was not questioning the police investigation.“We demand the arrest of prof Doolla. We are not questioning the investigation,” Ravindra Wakode said.He also spoke about his son’s academic record and extracurricular activities.“You can ask anyone. They will tell you how good a human Sahil was. He was leading a team of 50 students on AI and robotics. Do you think such a meritorious student can do this? The investigation should be fast-tracked.

IIT Bombay apologises over earlier statement

Meanwhile, IIT Bombay issued a formal apology over statements made in an earlier communication concerning the circumstances surrounding Wakode’s death.The institute said the earlier communication had caused concern and apologised for the same as the police and Crime Branch investigations continue.