Mumbai: IIT Bombay has removed Professor Suryanarayana Doolla as dean amid protests over the death of second-year engineering student Sahil Wakode. The administrative action followed a series of demands raised by students seeking accountability and an independent inquiry.
Wakode died by suicide on September 18, hours after he was reportedly caught using a mobile phone during a mid-semester examination. Doolla, who was supervising the exam, had reported the alleged malpractice to the institute.
IIT Bombay said Wakode was counselled after the incident and was allowed to leave without disciplinary action. However, his family has alleged harassment and caste-based discrimination, with Doolla’s name included in the FIR filed following their complaint. The accusations have not yet been proven.
The removal came after IIT Bombay Director Professor Shireesh Kedare signed an 18-point charter submitted by protesting students. The demands include an independent investigation, improvements in counselling and disciplinary procedures, faculty sensitisation and greater student representation.
The institute has also apologised for an earlier statement regarding the case. It clarified that Kedare has not resigned and will continue as director.
The proposed inquiry will examine the circumstances surrounding Wakode’s death and determine whether responsibility can be established.