IIT Bombay suicide: 3 students, psychiatrist part of panel to probe Sahil’s death

The three student members included in the committee are Aditya Joshi, general secretary (Hostel Affairs); Dev Arora, overall coordinator of the Student Mentor Programme; and research scholar Devi Lal. The committee also includes retired IAS officer Vishwanath Giriraj, former institute vigilance officer Professor K G Suresh of the Department of Physics, and psychiatrist Dr Harish Shetty.

The move comes amid demand from students seeking an independent probe into circumstances leading up to Sahil Wakode’s death.

Meanwhile, a sharp divide among sections of IIT Bombay students has come into focus over Professor Doolla’s suspension – a common demand from all students has been for an independent and transparent investigation by the institute into the entire episode – from the time Sahil Wakode was allegedly caught using a mobile phone in the examination hall to his suicide minutes later.

Professor Doolla was the invigilator at the exam hall where Sahil was writing his exam along with other students. He was allegedly caught using his mobile phone, and hours later, he was found dead in his hostel room. His death has triggered protests on the campus.

The committee is directed to submit its report within seven days.

Meanwhile, reports have emerged that Professor Doolla is being sent on leave until the probe into the IIT student’s suicide case is concluded. The Indian Express couldn’t confirm the reports.