IIT Bombay faculty question SC/ST charges, seek legal action against Sahil's parents

Amid the controversy over IIT Bombay BTech student Sahil Wakode's death by suicide, faculty forums at IITs have backed Professor Suryanarayana Doolla, while some members have questioned the SC/ST Act charges and sought legal action against Wakode's parents, as reported by The Times of India.

Meanwhile, IIT Bombay's Board of Governors has sent Professor Doolla on leave and constituted a 10-member panel to examine the circumstances surrounding the student's death.

The developments come amid differing views over the allegations against Doolla. While Wakode's family has alleged caste-based harassment, faculty members have called for a fair and impartial investigation into the matter.IIT BOMBAY SENDS PROF DOOLLA ON LEAVE

The IIT Bombay Board of Governors has asked Professor Suryanarayana Doolla to go on leave and constituted a 10-member panel to examine the circumstances surrounding Sahil's death.

The panel, headed by Professor Ramesh Venkateswaran, Chairman of the Board of Governors at IIT Palakkad, includes students and other members and has been asked to submit its report within a week.

Meanwhile, faculty forums at IIT Bombay, IIT Delhi and IIT Madras have expressed support for Doolla and called for due process in the matter. IIT Bombay Faculty Forum president Professor Rajkumar S Pant has said there is no confirmed evidence of casteist remarks by Doolla and that the inquiry should be allowed to establish the facts.

Sahil's parents have alleged that their son faced caste-based harassment and mental pressure at IIT Bombay. His father has demanded the arrest of Doolla and other institute officials named in the case.

The allegations are being investigated by the Mumbai Crime Branch.WHAT HAPPENED DURING THE EXAMINATION?

Sahil, a second-year BTech student, died by suicide on September 18, hours after an incident during a mid-semester examination. IIT Bombay had initially said that he was caught using a mobile phone during the examination.

The institute later apologised for its communication, saying it was inappropriate to characterise the circumstances surrounding the student's death before the facts had been established through an investigation.

The Mumbai Crime Branch is investigating the circumstances surrounding Sahil's death and has recorded statements from his parents. Investigators are also examining CCTV footage and other evidence to reconstruct the events leading up to his death.

The police investigation and IIT Bombay's internal inquiry are both underway. The allegations of caste-based harassment, the examination incident and the circumstances preceding Sahil's death are yet to be conclusively established.- EndsPublished By: Apoorva AnandPublished On: Sep 23, 2026 10:20 IST