IIT Bombay Student Death Row Takes New Turn: Professor Removed as Dean, Institute Issues Apology
The IIT Bombay student death case has taken a new turn after the institute suspended Professor Suryanarayana Doolla from his position as Dean of Administrative Affairs. The decision came amid protests by students following the death of second-year BTech student Sahil Wakode.
IIT Bombay Suspends Professor From Dean Post
IIT Bombay communicated the decision to students after protests intensified on campus. Doolla will no longer hold the dean position, although reports say he continues as a faculty member. The institute has said that further action will depend on the ongoing investigation.
The case has drawn attention to the circumstances surrounding Sahil Wakode’s death. Police are investigating the events that occurred before his death, including what happened during an examination in which he was reportedly accused of using unauthorised assistance. CCTV footage from the examination period is also being examined as part of the investigation.
Institute Apologises Over Earlier Statement
IIT Bombay has also apologised for its earlier communication about the circumstances surrounding Sahil’s death. The institute acknowledged that issuing conclusions while the matter was under investigation was inappropriate.
The developments have also triggered a wider discussion on student welfare, examination rules and mental-health support on campus. Students have raised demands for changes in grievance redressal and disciplinary procedures. IIT Bombay has agreed to review aspects of its examination and punishment rules.
At the same time, faculty members from IIT Bombay and other IIT campuses have expressed support for Doolla. They have argued that he was carrying out his responsibilities during the examination and criticised what they described as misleading reports about his role.
The investigation into the circumstances surrounding Sahil Wakode’s death remains ongoing. Allegations made by different parties have not been established as facts, and the findings of the investigation will be important in determining what happened.
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