IIT Bombay Faculty Forum Backs Professor Doolla Amid Student Death Row

The Faculty Forum of IIT Bombay has expressed support for Professor Suryanarayana Doolla amid protests and an ongoing investigation following the death of second-year student Sahil Wakode on September 18. The faculty body said Doolla was carrying out his responsibilities under the institute’s approved academic rules when he reported alleged unauthorised smartphone use during an examination.

According to reports, Doolla was the course instructor and invigilator during a mid-semester examination when he noticed a student allegedly using a mobile phone. IIT Bombay has said the examination paper was uploaded to an AI platform to seek answers. The institute has also said that no disciplinary proceedings had been initiated against Wakode before his death and that he was counselled after the examination incident.

Faculty Forum backs Doolla

In its statement, the IIT Bombay Faculty Forum said it stood with Doolla and that he had been discharging his duties in accordance with Senate-approved academic policies. The forum also said Doolla continues as a member of the faculty and that he was temporarily relieved of his administrative duties to facilitate an independent investigation.

At the same time, Wakode’s family has made allegations of harassment and caste-based discrimination, and a police case has been registered. Those allegations have not been established in court. IIT Bombay has denied caste-discrimination allegations and disputed claims about disciplinary action. The investigation into the circumstances surrounding the student’s death is continuing.

Campus protests and institutional response

Student protests have continued on the IIT Bombay campus, with demonstrators raising demands related to accountability, student support and institutional processes. The institute has agreed to consider an 18-point charter submitted by students. Director Professor Shireesh Kedare has also apologised for earlier communication about the circumstances of Wakode’s death, saying the matter remains subject to investigation.

Doolla’s administrative position has become a separate institutional issue from the criminal investigation. The Faculty Forum’s statement represents the position of the faculty body, while the police inquiry will determine the facts and legal implications of the allegations made in the case.