'Not Suspended, Temporarily Relieved From Dean Duties': IIT Bombay Faculty Forum Backs Prof Suryanarayana Dolla

The IIT Bombay Faculty Forum has backed Professor Suryanarayana Doolla amid protests over the death of second-year student Sahil Wakode, saying the professor was acting under institute-approved academic rules.

Faculty Forum Defends Doolla

In a statement, the Faculty Forum expressed solidarity with Doolla and said he was discharging his duties in accordance with academic policies approved by the institute's Senate.

The forum said Doolla was the course instructor and was invigilating a mid-semester examination on September 18 when he noticed Wakode allegedly using a smartphone without authorisation. It described the incident as academic malpractice and said Doolla reported it to the institute authorities as required under the prescribed procedure.

The faculty body also expressed condolences to Wakode's family and said it was concerned about what it described as false and misleading reports affecting Doolla's reputation.

Student Death Triggers Campus Protests

Wakode, a second-year BTech student in IIT Bombay's Department of Energy Science and Engineering, died by suicide on September 18, hours after the examination incident.

According to IIT Bombay's account, Wakode had been found using a mobile phone during the exam and had allegedly uploaded the question paper to an AI platform to seek answers. The institute has said he was subsequently counselled by the instructor and department head and that no disciplinary action had been initiated against him before his death.

More than 400 students joined protests on campus following his death, with students raising concerns about the institute's handling of the incident and demanding action and accountability.

Family Alleges Harassment, Caste Discrimination

Wakode's family has alleged that he faced harassment and caste-based discrimination, including allegations against Doolla. Mumbai Police registered an FIR following a complaint from the student's family, and the case has since been transferred to the Crime Branch for investigation.

The allegations have not been established in court. IIT Bombay has denied caste-discrimination allegations, while the investigation into the circumstances surrounding Wakode's death remains underway.

Doolla Removed From Dean's Role

Amid the protests, IIT Bombay suspended Doolla from his administrative position as Dean with immediate effect. He continues as a professor and Head of the Department of Energy Science and Engineering.

The move came after IIT Bombay Director Professor Shireesh Kedare met protesting students, who had submitted an 18-point charter of demands. Students have indicated that they want action against Doolla in his capacity as a professor, rather than only his removal from an administrative post.

Faculty members subsequently staged a protest inside the IIT Bombay main building in support of Doolla following the suspension of his deanship.

Investigation Remains Underway

The faculty forum's statement concerns its assessment of Doolla's conduct during the examination. It does not determine the outcome of the police investigation or establish criminal liability.

The Crime Branch probe will examine the allegations made by Wakode's family and the circumstances surrounding his death, while IIT Bombay faces continuing demands from students over accountability, student welfare and institutional procedures.