Mumbai: Amid the ongoing controversy surrounding the suicide of the second-year BTech student Sahil Wakode at IIT Bombay, the Faculty Forum has firmly stood by Professor Suryanarayana Doolla. Faculty Forum President Dr Rajkumar S. Pant has clarified that the late student never approached the institute’s SC/ST Cell with any complaints of discrimination, while stressing that academic norms cannot permit unfair means in examinations.
CCTV CAPTURES SAHIL WAKODE IN EXAM HALL LOOKING AT OBJECT KEPT IN HIS POCKET.
Sources tell @shawansen that CCTV footage has emerged as a crucial piece of evidence in the Crime Branch probe into the death of IIT Bombay student Sahil Wakode.
Between 12:30 PM and 12:45 PM, with…— Rahul Shivshankar (@RShivshankar) September 22, 2026
On September 18, 2026, Sahil Wakode, a student of the Department of Energy Science and Engineering from Yavatmal district in Maharashtra, was found dead in his hostel room. The incident occurred hours after he was allegedly detected using a mobile phone and seeking answers via ChatGPT during a mid-semester examination invigilated by Prof Doolla.
The institute’s initial communication noted the alleged use of an AI platform, though it later apologised for characterising details of the events while the matter remained under investigation. Wakode’s parents subsequently alleged months of caste-based harassment by the professor, leading to an FIR under provisions of the SC/ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act and abetment of suicide. The case has been transferred to the Mumbai Police Crime Branch.
Students staged protests and submitted an 18-point charter of demands, prompting the institute to relieve Prof Doolla of his duties as Dean (Administrative Affairs) with immediate effect. He continues as a faculty member. Some students have chosen to speak to ANI about how the Dalit atrocities angle to the unfortunate suicide looks a bit too far-fetched and forced.
#WATCH | Mumbai, Maharashtra: IIT Bombay student suicide | Utkarsh, a third-year student, says, "Cheating is one thing, but committing suicide is truly unfortunate. All the students feel sympathy for Sahil. However, the students are now raising certain demands during the… pic.twitter.com/2H5iIe5pE1
— ANI (@ANI) September 22, 2026
Faculty members, later, organised a march in solidarity with the professor.
Speaking to ANI, Dr Rajkumar Pant, President of the IIT Bombay Faculty Forum, underlined key facts that cut through the narrative of institutional bias. “Like every institute, we have a dedicated SC/ST cell for the welfare of students of that particular category… I spoke to the institute’s Deputy Director, Professor Ravindra Gudi, about it, and he confirmed to me that the SC/ST cell issued a notice, stating that there was absolutely no attempt by the late Sahil to approach the cell over the last three or four months. No complaint was recorded by him, forget about a formal complaint; he had not even approached the SC/ST cell for anything”, Pant said.
He further noted that Prof Doolla had earlier served as Dean of Student Affairs and is known for initiatives supporting student welfare. “Our only point is that we are teachers, and we are discharging our duties as mandated by the institute while following institute procedures. Professor Doolla did the same… There are some situations where one has to act firmly, and he acted firmly as per the rules. But I am personally convinced that he is not the kind of person who would indulge in these kinds of acts… I see no merit in this claim”.
Pant was categorical on the principle of academic integrity: “The norms of society and the institute are very clear that we cannot tolerate cheating. Now, if a faculty member sees someone misusing facilities and resorting to unfair means, taking no action would be unfair to the majority of students who do not cheat”, He added that the Mumbai Crime Branch is probing the matter and the law will take its course.
The Faculty Forum has expressed distress over what it described as the vilification of Prof Doolla through misleading reports, while reiterating pain at the student’s demise. It clarified that Doolla was only temporarily relieved of administrative responsibilities to facilitate an independent inquiry and remains a faculty member in good standing.
IIT Bombay has witnessed a few student suicides this year, highlighting deeper concerns around mental health pressures in high-stakes academic environments. While legitimate grievances must be addressed through proper institutional mechanisms such as the SC/ST Cell, the absence of any prior complaint in this case raises serious questions about the sudden invocation of caste allegations after an instance of alleged examination malpractice.
According to media reports, through an official statement on Saturday, the IIT-Bombay said: “The police have registered a case and the matter is under investigation. IIT-Bombay will cooperate fully with the authorities and request everyone to respect the family’s privacy. We ask that people refrain from speculation as the investigation proceeds”.
The institute administration also shared an email that was circulated internally by the institute’s SC/ST cell, where members of the cell expressed regret over the death. “The SC/ ST Students and Staff Cell affirms that no complaint relating to caste-based discrimination was lodged by Sahil with the cell. The cell remains committed to the welfare and well-being of SC/ST students and staff and will appropriately address any matter relating to caste-based discrimination that is brought to its attention,” the email said.
Asking students to approach them immediately in case of any caste-based discrimination, it added: “IIT-Bombay is committed to providing an inclusive and respectful environment for all. The cell will continue its sensitisation and awareness efforts to address caste-based biases, whether conscious or unconscious, and to uphold applicable anti-discrimination laws and institute policies in letter and spirit.”
According to the institute’s rules, the disciplinary action for acts of academic malpractice during an exam, including use of unauthorised material like chits, mobile phones, tablets, smart watches, or AI gadgets like smart glasses etc, is FR (Fail and Repeat) and academic suspension for one semester, says an Indian Express report.
The Crime Branch continues to examine CCTV footage from the examination hall, campus and hostel, along with other evidence. A fair, evidence-based investigation, free from media trials or political pressure, is essential to uphold both justice for the deceased and the integrity of one of India’s premier institutions. Academic standards cannot be compromised, nor can unsubstantiated claims be allowed to undermine faculty members performing their mandated duties.
