‘I did not use caste-based words’: IIT Bombay professor denies harassment allegations in student death case

Mumbai: IIT Bombay professor Suryanarayan Doolla has denied allegations against him in connection with the death of student Sahil Wakode, after the Mumbai Crime Branch recorded his statement on Friday.

According to sources, Doolla was questioned for around eight to 10 hours at the IIT Bombay campus in Powai. During the questioning, he told investigators that he had followed the institute’s prescribed guidelines and procedures while dealing with Wakode.

The professor also denied using caste-based or derogatory language during his interactions with the student, sources said.

Doolla further rejected the allegations made against him in the case and maintained that he had acted in accordance with institutional procedures.

The Crime Branch is expected to examine Doolla’s statement alongside those of other people questioned in the case, as well as the evidence gathered during the investigation.

Wakode, a second-year student at IIT Bombay, died by suicide on September 18. Following his death, his family alleged that he had faced caste-based and mental harassment at the institute and named Doolla among those against whom they raised allegations.

The allegations are being investigated by the Mumbai Crime Branch, which took over the probe from Powai Police. Investigators have been examining digital and other evidence and questioning students, faculty members and staff connected with the case.

The investigation is ongoing.