IIT-Bombay professor sent on leave amid student suicide row, Crime Branch to interrogate him
The case was handed over to the Crime Branch after Mumbai Police registered an FIR based on the family’s complaint, which included allegations of caste-based harassment.
PTC News Desk: IIT Bombay has sent Professor Suryanarayana Doolla on leave and formed a 10-member panel to investigate the circumstances surrounding the death by suicide of 22-year-old BTech student Sahil Wakode.
The panel will be headed by Professor Ramesh Venkateswaran, Chairman of the Board of Governors at IIT Palakkad. It has been asked to submit its report within a week.
Meanwhile, the Mumbai Crime Branch has called Professor Doolla for questioning. Investigators are examining the events that took place before Sahil’s death.
The Crime Branch has already recorded statements from Sahil’s parents. The case was handed over to the Crime Branch after Mumbai Police registered an FIR based on the family’s complaint, which included allegations of caste-based harassment. These allegations have not been proved and are still being investigated.
CCTV footage being examined
Investigators are also checking CCTV footage from the examination hall, IIT Bombay campus and hostel to track Sahil’s movements on September 18, the day he died.
According to fresh footage reviewed by investigators, Sahil was questioned during an examination and later left the exam hall between 12:30 pm and 12:45 pm. Police are now tracking his movements after he left the examination hall and reached his hostel room at around 1:25 pm.
IIT Bombay had earlier said Sahil was found using a mobile phone during the examination and had allegedly uploaded the question paper to ChatGPT to get answers.
The institute later apologised for its earlier statement, saying it was inappropriate to describe the circumstances before the investigation had established the facts.
Family alleges caste-based harassment
Sahil’s family has alleged that he faced caste-based harassment and pressure on campus. His father has demanded the arrest of Professor Doolla and IIT Bombay Director Shireesh Kedare, alleging that his son faced caste-related remarks and threats before his death.
These claims are part of the ongoing investigation and have not been established.
Professor Rajkumar S Pant, president of the IIT Bombay Faculty Forum, has disputed the allegations. Speaking to India Today, he said there was no confirmed evidence that Professor Doolla made caste-related remarks and that conclusions should be drawn only after the inquiry is completed.