IIT Bombay Student Suicide: Sahil Wakode's Family Alleges Caste Harassment
IIT Bombay has meanwhile removed Professor Suryanarayana Doolla from his position as Dean of Administrative Affairs pending an investigation and apologised for its earlier communication about the circumstances surrounding Sahil Wakode's death.
The death by suicide of 20-year-old IIT Bombay student Sahil Wakode has triggered protests on the Powai campus, a police investigation and competing claims over the circumstances preceding his death. As the student's family has alleged caste-based harassment and institutional pressure, the institute's Faculty Forum has come out in support of Professor Suryanarayana Doolla, who has been named in the FIR, TOI reported.
IIT Bombay has meanwhile removed Doolla from his position as Dean of Administrative Affairs pending an investigation and apologised for its earlier communication about the circumstances surrounding Wakode's death. The Mumbai Police Crime Branch is investigating the case. Sahil Wakode Suicide Case: IIT Bombay Faculty Backs Professor Suryanarayana Doolla.
Faculty Forum Supports Prof Doolla
The IIT Bombay Faculty Forum said it "stands strongly" with Doolla and objected to what it described as false and misleading reports about the professor.
The faculty body said Doolla had been temporarily relieved of his administrative responsibilities to facilitate an independent and unbiased investigation. It also clarified that he continues to remain a faculty member at the institute.
Faculty members subsequently gathered on campus in support of Doolla, with a march planned as protests over Wakode's death continued. The Faculty Forum has also maintained that Doolla was performing his duties as an invigilator when Wakode was found using a mobile phone during an examination. It described the incident as a matter of academic malpractice. Sahil Wakode Suicide Case: IIT Bombay Apologises, Professor Suryanarayana Doolla Suspended.
What Happened Before Sahil Wakode's Death?
Wakode, a second-year BTech student in the Department of Energy Science and Engineering, was found dead in his hostel room on September 18, hours after an examination.
According to IIT Bombay's initial account, Wakode was found using a mobile phone during the examination and had allegedly uploaded the question paper on an AI platform to seek answers. The institute said the matter was discussed with him by the course instructor and head of department, who counselled him and told him that the incident would not adversely affect his academic career.
Students subsequently protested on campus, alleging that Wakode had faced pressure and threats of suspension. The institute's account and the allegations made by students and the family remain part of the ongoing investigation.
Family Alleges Caste-Based Harassment
Wakode's parents have alleged that their son faced caste-based discrimination and harassment at the institute. His father, Ravindra Wakode, has alleged that his son had spoken about being harassed by Doolla and other officials. The family has linked the alleged treatment to his caste background and sought action against those they hold responsible for his death.
Police registered a case of abetment of suicide after the family's complaint. Provisions of the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act were also invoked following the allegations of caste-based harassment. Doolla has been named in the FIR, along with references to other institute officials. The allegations have not been established in court, and the investigation is continuing.
IIT Bombay Removes Doolla From Administrative Post
Amid the protests, IIT Bombay removed Doolla from his administrative position. The institute said further action would depend on the findings of the investigation.
Doolla continues to serve as a professor at IIT Bombay. Reports have also identified him as the head of the Department of Energy Science and Engineering.
The institute also issued an apology over its earlier communication regarding Wakode's death. IIT Bombay said it was inappropriate to characterise details surrounding the student's death before they had been established through the investigative process.
Crime Branch Takes Over Investigation
The case has been transferred from the Powai Police to the Mumbai Police Crime Branch, with an ACP-rank officer leading the investigation.
The probe is examining the events surrounding the examination, the interaction between Wakode and institute officials, and the allegations made by his family.
No suicide note was found, according to police reports cited by the Times of India.
Students Demand Independent Probe
Student protests have continued, with demonstrators demanding an independent investigation and accountability for anyone found responsible.
IIT Bombay Director Shireesh Kedare met protesting students and signed an 18-point charter containing their demands. These included an independent probe, action against officials found guilty and compensation for Wakode's family.
The institute's administration, faculty representatives and student groups are now involved in separate discussions as the police investigation proceeds. The central question remains what led to Wakode's death and whether any institutional or individual actions contributed to it.
The allegations against faculty members and officials will ultimately be subject to the findings of the ongoing investigation.
(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Sep 21, 2026 08:15 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).
