IIT Bombay campus faces questions after student death sparks protests. (Img: Dynamite News)
Mumbai: IIT Bombay on Monday apologised over its earlier communication regarding the death of 20-year-old BTech student Sahil Wakode and suspended Dean of Student Affairs Professor Suryanarayana Doolla with immediate effect after protests intensified on the campus.
The action came days after Sahil, a second-year student of Energy Science and Engineering, was found dead in his hostel room, sparking questions over academic pressure, disciplinary procedures, student welfare systems and institutional accountability.
The incident has become a major campus issue as students continue to demand transparency, an independent investigation and stronger safeguards for students facing academic or personal challenges.
IIT Bombay Director Professor Shireesh Kedare informed students that Professor Suryanarayana Doolla, Dean of Student Affairs, had been suspended with immediate effect.
The institute stated that further action would be taken after completion of the investigation. The decision came after protests by students who demanded accountability following Sahil Wakode’s death.
However, protesting students said their demand was for suspension of Professor Doolla from his teaching responsibilities as well and not only from his administrative position as Dean.
Professor Doolla will continue to serve as a faculty member and head of the Department of Energy Science and Engineering during the investigation process.
Amid rising criticism, IIT Bombay issued an apology over its earlier communication regarding the circumstances surrounding Sahil Wakode’s death. The institute acknowledged that details related to the events before the student’s death should not have been presented before they were verified through the appropriate investigation process.
The administration stated that the circumstances leading to the incident remain under examination by the concerned authorities. The apology came after objections were raised by students and Sahil’s family over the way the incident was initially described.
Sahil Wakode, a second-year BTech student at IIT Bombay’s Department of Energy Science and Engineering, was found dead in his hostel room on Friday.
According to officials, the incident occurred hours after he was allegedly caught using a mobile phone during a mid-semester examination. The institute stated that the student had allegedly uploaded the examination question paper on an artificial intelligence platform to seek answers.
The incident triggered protests as students questioned the handling of the examination-related matter and demanded a review of student support mechanisms on campus.
Sahil’s family and several students have alleged that he faced pressure following the examination incident. The family has also raised allegations of harassment and caste-based discrimination.
Following a complaint by Sahil’s parents, police registered an FIR under charges related to abetment of suicide under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita and provisions of the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act.
A professor has been named as an accused in the case, which is being investigated by the Crime Branch. The allegations are part of the ongoing investigation, and authorities are examining all aspects related to the student’s death.
IIT Bombay stated that no disciplinary action had been initiated against Sahil after the examination incident. According to the institute, the matter was discussed with the student by the instructor and the Head of Department.
The institute said Sahil was counselled and informed that the incident would not affect his academic career. After the discussion, the student returned to his hostel room, where he was later found dead.
Following the incident, students raised several demands before the institute administration. The demands include an independent investigation committee with student representatives and external members, action against officials found responsible after the inquiry, compensation for Sahil’s family and stronger student welfare systems.
Students have also demanded an open discussion involving all stakeholders and called for faculty sensitisation programmes and a clear code of conduct for academic interactions.
The protests also put pressure on IIT Bombay Director Professor Shireesh Kedare. During discussions with protesters, Kedare indicated that he would resign while stating that the process required institutional approval.
The IIT Bombay Board is expected to consider the matter. The institute administration has also agreed to several demands raised by protesting students during discussions.
The Sahil Wakode case has triggered a broader discussion about academic pressure, student mental health support and grievance redressal systems in India’s leading educational institutions.
The incident has also raised questions about how universities handle examination violations, disciplinary procedures and communication during sensitive situations. As the investigation continues, students, faculty members and authorities are closely monitoring the next steps from IIT Bombay and law enforcement agencies.
The investigation into Sahil Wakode’s death will determine further action in the case. IIT Bombay is expected to continue reviewing concerns raised by students and consider additional measures related to campus safety and student welfare. The police investigation will examine allegations made by the family and other circumstances connected with the incident.
