IIT Bombay Prof Doolla sent on leave for impartial probe into student's death

IIT Bombay Professor Suryanarayana Doolla, an accused in the alleged suicide of student Sahil Wakode, has been sent on leave to facilitate an impartial probe into the case, sources said on Wednesday. The Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Bombay on Monday removed Doolla as the dean of Administrative Affairs following protests over the student's suicide.

Prof Doolla has been sent on leave after being removed from his dean post to enable an impartial probe, with no classes currently underway, the sources said. The Mumbai Crime Branch is currently investigating Wakode's death. Wakode (22), a second-year B Tech student in the Department of Energy Science and Engineering, was found hanging in his hostel room on September 18 evening, hours after being caught allegedly using a mobile phone to access ChatGPT during a mid-semester examination, according to officials.

Also read ‘Not individual failure’: IIT Bombay students protest suicide, want director to quit, action against professor

A case on charges of suicide abetment and caste discrimination has been registered against Doolla. Wakode's mother on Tuesday claimed he had told them that he was tortured, abused, and humiliated based on his caste. His parents have demanded the immediate arrest of IIT Bombay Director Professor Shirish Kedare and Prof Doolla.

If you know someone – friend or family member – at risk of suicide, please reach out to them. Those in distress or having suicidal thoughts or tendencies could seek help and counselling by calling 9820466726 or visiting AASRA’s official website or can call iCALL on 9152987821. Here are some more helpline numbers of suicide prevention organisations that can offer emotional support to individuals and families.