IIT Bombay has removed Professor Suryanarayana Doolla from his position as Dean of Administrative Affairs following protests over the death by suicide of second-year student Sahil Wakode.
The action came after three days of student protests on the Powai campus. Students had demanded accountability, an independent inquiry and changes to the institute’s academic and student-welfare systems. Doolla’s removal was one of the demands included in an 18-point charter signed by IIT Bombay Director Professor Shireesh Kedare.
Doolla Was Invigilator During Wakode’s Exam
Doolla, who is a professor in IIT Bombay’s Department of Energy Science and Engineering, was supervising the examination attended by Wakode on September 18.
According to IIT Bombay, Wakode was allegedly found using a mobile phone during the mid-semester examination. The institute said he had also allegedly uploaded the question paper to an AI platform to obtain answers.
The institute said Wakode was counselled after the incident and was allowed to leave. IIT Bombay maintained that no disciplinary proceedings had been started against him at that stage.
Wakode died by suicide later that day.
Student Protests Led to 18-Point Charter
The student’s death triggered protests at IIT Bombay, with students demanding an independent investigation into what happened before his death.
After discussions with the protesting students, Director Shireesh Kedare signed an 18-point charter.
The demands include an independent probe, a time-bound investigation report, an open meeting with senior institute officials and changes to the disciplinary system.
Students have also demanded better mental-health support, stronger counselling services, greater student participation in decision-making and a code of conduct for faculty members.
Family Alleges Harassment and Caste Discrimination
Wakode’s family has alleged that he faced harassment and caste-based discrimination at the institute. These allegations are being investigated.
Doolla’s name was included in the FIR filed following the family’s complaint. Police have registered a case relating to abetment of suicide and invoked provisions of the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, according to reports. The investigation has been transferred to the Mumbai Crime Branch.
IIT Bombay has denied that Wakode had made a formal complaint of caste discrimination to the institute before his death. The institute has also said that the circumstances surrounding the death are still under investigation.
Faculty Forum Supports Doolla
The IIT Bombay Faculty Forum has backed Doolla, saying he was performing his responsibilities as an examination invigilator and had followed the institute’s procedure after detecting the alleged malpractice.
The forum’s position comes as the institute faces demands for greater accountability over the incident.
IIT Bombay Apologises Over Earlier Statement
Amid the controversy, IIT Bombay also apologised for an earlier communication about Wakode’s death.
The institute said details surrounding the events before the student’s death remain under investigation and clarified that Director Shireesh Kedare has not resigned.
Reports and social media posts had circulated claims about the director stepping down, but the institute rejected those claims.
Independent Probe Now in Focus
With Doolla removed from the deanship, the focus is now on the independent inquiry demanded by students and the ongoing police investigation.
The student charter also seeks wider changes in how IIT Bombay handles disciplinary matters, mental-health concerns and student grievances.
The investigations will establish the circumstances surrounding Wakode’s death and whether any individual or institutional responsibility can be established.
