IIT Bombay suspends professor Suryanarayana Doolla amid student suicide probe; says Director has not resigned

IIT Bombay Dean of Student Affairs Professor Suryanarayana Doolla has reportedly been suspended with immediate effect amid the investigation into student Sahil Wakode’s death by suicide. 

ANI, citing IIT Bombay director Prof Shirish B Kedare, reported that any further action against Doolla will be decided after the inquiry is completed.

Students rally behind Professor Doolla

The suspension comes amid support for Doolla from a section of IIT Bombay students, particularly those from the Energy Department.

In a statement shared on the students’ X account, they expressed condolences to Wakode’s family while backing Doolla and rejecting the allegations against him.

The students also said that Doolla’s suspension or resignation could be interpreted publicly as confirmation of the allegations of caste-based remarks, which they described as false.

Doolla was named in an FIR filed following a complaint by Wakode’s parents, who have alleged harassment and caste-based discrimination.

IIT Bombay clarifies director’s status

IIT Bombay has also apologised for its earlier communication about the circumstances surrounding Wakode’s death, saying the events leading up to the incident are still being investigated by the authorities.

The institute further clarified that its director, Prof Shireesh Kedare, has not resigned, calling reports suggesting otherwise false.

It said it regretted the statements made in its earlier communication and reiterated that the facts remain under investigation.