IIT Bombay Student Death: Crime Branch Questions Professor Suryanarayana Doolla for 10 Hours in Sahil Wakode Case
The Mumbai Crime Branch questioned IIT-Bombay professor Suryanarayana Doolla for nearly 10 hours in connection with the death of second-year student Sahil Wakode, focusing on the events inside the examination hall shortly before the student returned to his hostel room.
Mumbai, October 3: The Mumbai Crime Branch questioned IIT-Bombay professor Suryanarayana Doolla for nearly 10 hours in connection with the death of second-year student Sahil Wakode, focusing on the events inside the examination hall shortly before the student returned to his hostel room.
Sahil Wakode was found dead in his hostel room at IIT-Bombay on September 18 after he was allegedly caught using a phone during a mid-semester examination. His family has alleged harassment and caste-based remarks, and Doolla was named in the FIR based on their complaint.
What Did Crime Branch Ask Professor Doolla?
During the questioning, investigators focused on Doolla's interaction with Sahil inside the examination hall between around 12:30 pm and 12:45 pm.
The Crime Branch reportedly questioned the professor about what happened after Sahil was allegedly found using a phone, what was said between them and why Sahil was asked to leave the examination hall. Sahil Wakode Suicide Case: IIT Bombay Students Demand Reconstitution of Probe Panel.
Investigators also asked whether Doolla had any previous interaction with Sahil and whether he communicated with the student after he left the examination hall.
Doolla denied allegations of harassment and casteist remarks during the questioning, according to sources. Investigators are now comparing his statement with CCTV footage, witness statements and other evidence collected in the case. IIT Bombay Students Launch Hunger Strike Demanding Director’s Resignation Over Sahil Wakode’s Death.
CCTV Footage, Electronic Devices Under Probe
The Crime Branch is examining CCTV footage that reportedly captures events inside and around the examination hall, as well as Sahil's subsequent movement towards his hostel room.
Police have recorded statements from around 45 people, including Sahil's parents, fellow students, hostel staff and others connected with the case.
Sahil's two mobile phones, laptop and tablet have been sent to the Forensic Science Laboratory (FSL) for examination and data retrieval. Investigators are also looking into the alleged use of ChatGPT during the examination.
IIT-Bombay Director Shireesh Kedare is likely to be summoned by the Crime Branch to record his statement as part of the investigation.
IIT-Bombay Students Intensify Protest
Meanwhile, a group of IIT-Bombay students began a hunger strike on Friday, demanding accountability in connection with Sahil's death and calling for the resignation of the institute's director.
The students have been protesting for around 15 days and decided to intensify their agitation after Sahil's parents, who are also on hunger strike at Mumbai's Azad Maidan, were reportedly denied permission by police to continue their protest on weekends.
The protesting students marched towards the institute's main gate and submitted an 18-point charter of demands to the administration.
Their demands include an independent investigation into Sahil's death, changes to the inquiry committee constituted by the institute, the resignation of IIT-Bombay Director Shireesh Kedare and the suspension of Professor Suryanarayana Doolla, who has been accused of caste-based discrimination by Sahil's parents.
The students said they would continue their hunger strike and agitation while seeking what they described as justice and accountability in the case.
(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Oct 03, 2026 11:55 AM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).