- Professor Doolla was sent on leave by IIT Bombay
- A case on charges of abetment and caste discrimination was lodged against him
- The institute has also formed a 10-member panel
IIT-B Suicide Case: Amid the ongoing probe into the suicide of student Sahil Wakode, accused Professor Suryanarayan Doolla was reportedly sent on leave by IIT Bombay on Wednesday. Earlier, a case on charges of abetment and caste discrimination was lodged against the professor due to a large-scale protest by the students. The institute has also formed a 10-member panel to investigate the matter and has directed it to submit its report within a week.
Crime Branch Intensifies Probe
Earlier on Tuesday, the Mumbai Crime Branch intensified its probe as it questioned the deceased's parents and the students who were present in the examination hall or knew him personally. The crime branch also questioned the other professors of the institute to gather more information. Professor Doolla has also been called by the crime branch today for questioning into the matter.
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Apart from this, Wakode's locked phone is also being investigated with the assistance of experts to reveal his ChatGPT and Google search history. As per the reports, the victim's parents are also likely to be questioned again on Wednesday for more details.
Parents Accuse Prof Of Discrimination
The parents of Wakode have alleged that their son faced caste-based discrimination by Professor Doolla for the past few months. "He specifically told us that Professor Suryanarayana Doolla would say, 'I am from an upper caste and you are from a lower caste.' According to what Sahil told us, this had been continuing for around three months," the victim's mother told reporters.
Will Go On Hunger Strike: Ravindra
Apart from this, Wakode's father, Ravindra, on Tuesday stated that he will start a hunger strike from Wednesday if any solid action is not taken against the accused. A massive controversy sparked after Wakode committed suicide allegedly after being caught cheating during an examination. However, in a statement published on Monday, the institute said that the reason that led to the tragic incident will only be revealed after a detailed investigation.