Doolla was the course instructor and invigilator during the examination in which Wakode was allegedly caught using a mobile phone. Professor Suryanarayana Doolla, a faculty member in IIT Bombay’s Department of Energy Science and Engineering (DESE), has come under intense scrutiny following the death of 20-year-old student Sahil Wakode and the protests that have since erupted on the campus.
The institute also maintained that no disciplinary action had been initiated against him before his death. Wakode’s family has disputed this account. His father alleged that his son had faced harassment and caste-based abuse. Following the family’s complaint, Mumbai Police registered a case invoking provisions of the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, with Doolla among those named. The allegations remain subject to investigation. Wakode’s death led to sustained protests by students at the IIT Bombay campus. Among their demands was action against Doolla. IIT Bombay subsequently suspended Doolla from his administrative role amid the protests and the ongoing investigation.
IIT Bombay initially said that Wakode was counselled by the instructor and Head of Department after the incident and was assured that it would not adversely affect his academic career. The institute has said that any further action would follow the inquiry.
Investigation into Wakode’s Death Sparks Controversy at IIT Bombay
As of September 21, Doolla is at the center of the ongoing controversy regarding the death of Wakode. IIT Bombay has suspended him from his administrative duties while the investigation unfolds. The Mumbai Crime Branch is currently conducting the police inquiry and is expected to question individuals connected to the case.
It is important to note that the allegations against Doolla and his suspension do not imply any determination of criminal liability at this stage. The police investigation is still active, and IIT Bombay has acknowledged that some of its previous statements regarding Wakode’s death were inappropriate, leading to an issued apology.
The controversy revolves around three main issues: the examination incident involving Wakode, the allegations made by his family, and the subsequent police investigation, along with the protests and institutional actions directed at Doolla.
