Mumbai: A large group of faculty members and staff at IIT Bombay marched in support of Prof Suryanarayana Doolla at the Powai campus amid protests over the death of second-year BTech student Sahil Wakode.
Faculty Forum Defends Professor’s Role
Doolla, who was serving as Dean of Administrative Affairs, has been relieved of the administrative position after being named in a police case connected with Wakode’s death. However, he continues to serve as a professor at the institute.
The IIT Bombay Faculty Forum also issued a statement defending Doolla and objecting to reports that it said had unfairly damaged his reputation. The forum maintained that the professor had acted according to institutional rules while performing his duties as an examination invigilator.
Professor Reported Suspected Exam Malpractice
According to the forum, Doolla reported an instance of suspected academic malpractice after Wakode was allegedly found using a mobile phone during a mid-semester examination on September 18. Wakode was found dead in his hostel room later that day.
The faculty body expressed grief over the student’s death while calling for a fair and impartial inquiry. It said Doolla had been temporarily relieved of his responsibilities as dean to ensure that the investigation could proceed independently. The forum added that he remained a faculty member in good standing.
However, the march had to be cut short after the authorities of the institute decided to have an open house with the students.
Faculty March Halted After Student Interaction Plan
Wakode’s parents have accused Doolla of subjecting their son to caste-based discrimination and mental harassment. Mumbai Police registered an FIR following their complaint. The allegations and the events preceding the student’s death are currently under investigation.
Meanwhile, students have continued to demand Doolla’s suspension from his teaching position. His suspension was included in an 18-point charter submitted to the IIT Bombay administration during three days of protests.
The institute subsequently apologised for its initial communication describing the circumstances preceding Wakode’s death. It admitted that releasing such details before the completion of an investigation had been inappropriate.
The faculty march indicates growing divisions on campus. While protesting students are seeking accountability and institutional reforms, the Faculty Forum has stressed the need to protect individuals from being judged before the investigation establishes the facts.
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