Mumbai: IIT Bombay student Sahil Wakode, who was found dead in his hostel room on September 18, had submitted a written apology after allegedly being caught using ChatGPT during a mid-semester examination earlier that day, police said on Tuesday, October 13.

According to investigators, the 22-year-old second-year BTech student acknowledged that he had not prepared adequately for the examination, admitted his mistake and requested another opportunity.

Police said CCTV footage showed Professor Suryanarayana Doolla questioning him during the examination shortly before 1 pm. He was subsequently seen entering his hostel room at around 1.25 pm and was found dead that evening. The exact time when he submitted his written apology has not been disclosed.

The Mumbai Crime Branch is investigating the circumstances surrounding his death and has recorded statements from more than 40 people, including IIT-B Director Shireesh Kedare and Doolla.

His parents have accused the professor of harassment and caste-based discrimination. Following a complaint by his father, an FIR was registered against Doolla at Powai police station in connection with alleged abetment to suicide.

The professor has denied the allegations in his statement to investigators. The claims remain under investigation.

Meanwhile, Ravindra and Sonali Wakode began a hunger strike at Azad Maidan on September 24, demanding justice for their son and alleging caste-based discrimination at the institute.

Police are continuing their investigation into the death and the allegations raised by the family.