MUMBAI: The IIT Delhi Faculty Forum has extended support to IIT Bombay professor Suryanarayana Doolla, who was named in an FIR following the death by suicide of 20-year-old BTech student Sahil Wakode, while expressing concern over what it described as “mob-driven behaviour” influencing decision-making at premier institutions.
In a statement issued on September 21, the faculty body said Doolla was “simply discharging his duties at IIT Bombay during an examination as per the institute’s guidelines”. It also said allegations against him had been made publicly without credible evidence being presented and expressed solidarity with Doolla, his students and his family.
Doolla was the invigilator during a mid-semester examination in which Wakode, a second-year student of IIT Bombay’s Department of Energy Science and Engineering, was allegedly found using a mobile phone. IIT Bombay had stated that the student uploaded the examination question paper on ChatGPT to seek answers. Wakode died by suicide later the same day.
Following a complaint by Wakode’s father, Mumbai Police registered an FIR naming Doolla and alleging abetment to suicide, along with provisions of the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act. The allegations remain under investigation. IIT Bombay has denied that Wakode had lodged any complaint of caste discrimination with its SC-ST cell or administration.
The incident subsequently triggered protests on the IIT Bombay campus, with students demanding an independent investigation and action against those they held responsible, including Doolla’s removal from the faculty. On September 21, IIT Bombay removed Doolla from his position as Dean (Administrative Affairs) with immediate effect, while stating that any further action would follow the investigation. He continues to remain a faculty member.
The IIT Delhi Faculty Forum said the developments had created apprehension among faculty members regarding the conduct of evaluations and the maintenance of academic integrity. It “strongly condemns the mob-driven behaviour”, stating that such conduct appeared to have affected decision-making at various IIT campuses and could be detrimental to the education system.
The forum appealed to students, their families and the wider public to support faculty members in maintaining the integrity and fairness of the IIT system. It also urged IIT Bombay to provide institutional and personal support, including legal and financial assistance, to Doolla and his family.
