IIT Bombay student suicide: Faculty rallies behind Professor Doolla
In a statement, the IIT Bombay faculty said it 'stands strongly' with Prof Suryanarayana Doolla even as students' agitation continues for the third day
The circumstances surrounding the incident at the examination hall, originating from the claim that he had used his mobile phone, are now part of the Crime Branch investigation. (Express photo by Sankhadeep Banerjee)
The IIT Bombay faculty on Monday released a statement in support of the professor hours after Professor Suryanarayana Doolla was removed as the Dean (Administrative Affairs) amid mounting pressure from the protests on campus two days after the suicide of a student.
Professor Doolla was the invigilator in the examination hall where Sahil Wakode was among the students appearing for the exam on Friday, September 18. Doolla allegedly caught Sahil with a mobile phone and using ChatGPT inside the examination hall. Later that day, Sahil died by suicide.
In a statement, the Faculty Forum of IIT Bombay said it was “distressed by the vilification of our colleague’s reputation by false and misleading reports that have appeared in the media” and “stands strongly” with Prof Suryanarayana Doolla.
The statement also highlights that Prof Doolla has been “temporarily relieved” of his duties as dean to enable an “independent, unbiased investigation” into the suicide case of the student on September 18. The faculty statement also adds that Prof Doolla “continues to be a faculty member in good standing,” indicating that he remains a professor at the institution.
While IIT Bombay has not issued an official statement, IIT Bombay Director Prof Shireesh Kedare, in an email to all students earlier in the day, announced the suspension of Prof. Doolla as dean.
The move has, however, angered protesting IIT Bombay students who have been demanding that Prof. Doolla be suspended immediately from his professorship.
Earlier today, faculty members gathered on the campus in support of Prof Doolla. The faculty forum also plans a separate march inside the campus in solidarity with the professor.
The Mumbai Police has registered an FIR naming Professor Doolla, based on a complaint by Sahil’s parents, who have alleged that their son was a victim of caste-based discrimination by the professor.
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Pallavi Smart is a Principal Correspondent with The Indian Express, Mumbai Bureau. Her reporting is singularly focused on the education sector, demonstrating exceptional Expertise and Authority across the entire spectrum of learning, from foundational schooling to advanced higher education. She is a highly Trustworthy source for policy, institutional developments, and systemic issues affecting students, teachers, and parents in Maharashtra.
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