IIT Bombay Student Death: Faculty Forum backs invigilator Suryanarayana Doolla, says 'followed policies'

The Faculty Forum of the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Bombay has expressed solidarity with invigilator Suryanarayana Doolla, two days after the death of second-year student Sahil Wakode following an examination-related incident. In a press release issued today, September 20, the faculty body said Doolla was performing his duties in accordance with the institute’s Senate-approved academic policies.

The statement comes amid protests on the IIT Bombay campus and a police case registered following allegations by Wakode’s family. The Powai police have named invigilator Doolla in an FIR in connection with the student’s death , and the investigation has been transferred to the Mumbai Crime Branch, according to reports. The family has alleged caste-based harassment, while IIT Bombay has denied caste discrimination and said the circumstances surrounding the death are being investigated.

IIT Bombay student death, exam incident

Wakode, a second-year student of the Department of Energy Science and Engineering, died by suicide on September 18 after he was allegedly found using a mobile phone during a mid-semester examination. The institute had said that he had uploaded the examination question paper on ChatGPT to seek answers.

According to an IIT Bombay press release on September 19, no disciplinary action was initiated against the student. The institute said the matter was discussed with him by the instructor and the head of department, who counselled him and assured him that the incident would not adversely affect his academic career.

Students, however, questioned the institute’s handling of the incident and alleged that Wakode had been threatened with suspension. These claims have not been established independently.

Faculty Forum backs Doolla

In its September 20 press release, the IIT Bombay Faculty Forum said invigilator Doolla was invigilating a mid-semester examination from 11 am to 1 pm on September 18 when he observed a student allegedly indulging in academic malpractice through the unauthorised possession and use of a smartphone.

The Faculty Forum said Doolla reported the incident to the institute authorities for further action, describing this as part of the institute-approved procedure.

“We strongly express our solidarity with our colleague Suryanarayana Doolla,” the Faculty Forum said, adding that he was discharging his duties in line with the Senate-approved academic policies currently in force.

The faculty body also said it was “absolutely distressed” over what it described as the tarnishing of Doolla’s reputation and maintained that he was merely performing his academic duties and following institute-approved procedures.

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.