Suryanarayana Doolla, IIT Bombay Professor, Suspended From Deanship Amid Student Suicide Probe

Mumbai: IIT Bombay has suspended Professor Suryanarayana Doolla from his administrative position as Dean of Student Affairs with immediate effect, amid an ongoing investigation into the death by suicide of second-year BTech student Sahil Ravindra Wakode.

IIT Bombay Director Professor Shireesh B. Kedare informed students about the decision, saying that any further action against Doolla would be taken following an investigation. Doolla will continue as a professor and as head of the Department of Energy Science and Engineering, according to reports.

Why was Suryanarayana Doolla suspended?

Doolla was the course instructor and invigilator during the examination in which Wakode was allegedly found using a mobile phone. IIT Bombay's earlier account said the student had uploaded the examination question paper to ChatGPT to seek answers.

The institute had previously said that the matter was discussed with Wakode by the instructor and Head of Department, who counselled him and assured him that the examination incident would not adversely affect his academic career. IIT Bombay had also maintained that no disciplinary action had been initiated against the student before his death.

However, Wakode's family has alleged that he faced harassment and caste-based discrimination. His father's complaint resulted in an FIR naming Doolla, with allegations including abetment of suicide and provisions under the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act. The allegations have not been established and remain subject to investigation.

IIT Bombay apologises over earlier statement

Alongside Doolla's suspension, IIT Bombay issued an apology over its earlier communication concerning the circumstances surrounding Wakode's death.

The institute said the details leading up to the incident remain under investigation and acknowledged that it was inappropriate to characterise events preceding the student's death before they had been established through the investigative process.

The clarification came amid continuing student protests and demands for greater accountability and an independent inquiry into the circumstances surrounding Wakode's death.

Students had demanded action against the professor

Students protesting on campus submitted an 18-point charter of demands to the institute administration. The demands included an independent investigation, greater student representation, reforms to disciplinary procedures, stronger counselling and mental-health support, and action concerning Doolla.

After discussions with protesting students, Director Kedare signed the charter. The proposed reforms include an independent examination of the circumstances surrounding Wakode's death and changes to student-welfare and grievance mechanisms.

Faculty Forum backs Doolla

The IIT Bombay Faculty Forum has expressed support for Doolla, saying he was performing his duties as an invigilator and had followed the institute's prescribed academic procedures after allegedly observing unauthorised smartphone use during the examination.

The forum's position contrasts with the allegations made by Wakode's family and the demands raised by protesting students. The competing accounts remain part of the ongoing investigation.

What happens next?

The Mumbai Police Crime Branch is investigating the allegations contained in the FIR. The investigation is expected to examine the events surrounding the examination as well as the family's allegations of harassment and caste-based discrimination.

For now, Doolla's suspension is an administrative action pending investigation, and it does not establish criminal liability. The circumstances surrounding Wakode's death and any responsibility for it will be determined through the ongoing investigative and legal processes.