IIT Bombay Suspends Professor Amid Student Suicide Investigation

IIT Bombay has suspended professor Suryanarayana Doolla in connection with an investigation into the suicide of a second-year BTech student, Sahil Wakode. Doolla was involved in reporting alleged examination malpractice, as the student was reportedly caught cheating during an exam supervised by him. The institute’s director, Shirish B Kedare, stated that further actions would be determined following the ongoing investigation.

In reaction to Doolla's suspension, faculty members at IIT Bombay held protests, expressing support for him. They argued that he was simply fulfilling his duties during the examination process. This incident has generated significant concern among students, with many calling for an independent investigation into the circumstances surrounding Wakode's death.

Wakode's grandmother, Shyamlata Tayade, expressed deep sorrow over the loss, stating that the family struggled to accept the tragic turn of events after the student had dedicated himself to securing admission at the prestigious institution.

As part of the local response to the incident, forensic teams were seen arriving on campus, where students await a scheduled open house with the director to discuss the situation in further detail. This indicates ongoing engagement with the student body amid the heightened emotions following the tragedy.

In a related action, IIT Bombay announced plans to replace ceiling fans with wall-mounted fans on the campus. While the university labeled this as part of a renovation project, the timing has drawn scrutiny and attention due to the recent events surrounding the student’s death, complicating the narrative around the circumstances under which the death occurred.

The institute has also issued an apology regarding its initial communication about the situation, aiming to address concerns raised by the student community and the wider public. The evolving situation continues to develop, with significant focus on the support and actions of both the faculty and administration.