IIT Delhi, Madras Faculty Back Doolla Amid IIT Bombay Student Death Probe

Faculty forums at IIT Delhi and IIT Madras have expressed support for IIT Bombay professor Suryanarayana Doolla amid an ongoing inquiry into the death of student Sahil Wakode on September 18. Both bodies called for the circumstances to be examined through due process and cautioned against public vilification or conclusions before investigations are completed.

The IIT Delhi Faculty Forum said Doolla was performing his duties as an invigilator according to institutional guidelines during the examination. It also raised concerns about the impact of the controversy on faculty members' ability to conduct examinations and maintain academic standards, while urging IIT Bombay to provide support to Doolla and his family.

The IIT Madras Faculty Association similarly called for a fair, transparent and time-bound inquiry. It said examination officials should be able to enforce academic procedures without facing personal vilification, while also asking investigators to examine whether existing academic-misconduct procedures provide students with adequate counselling and safeguards during periods of acute stress.

The controversy began after Wakode, a second-year BTech student, was allegedly found using a mobile phone during a mid-semester examination. IIT Bombay said he was subsequently counselled, while his family later alleged harassment and caste-based discrimination. Mumbai Police registered a case based on the family's complaint, and the investigation remains underway.

Doolla was temporarily relieved of his administrative role as Dean (Administrative Affairs) to facilitate an independent inquiry but remains a faculty member. IIT Bombay has also agreed to examine demands raised by protesting students, including an independent probe and reforms related to student welfare and disciplinary procedures.