Sahil Wakode Suicide Case: Faculty forums of IIT Kanpur and IIT Indore have extended support to Professor Suryanarayana Doolla of IIT Bombay following the death by suicide of BTech student Sahil Wakode. Doolla was the invigilator during the examination in which Wakode was allegedly found using a mobile phone and ChatGPT.
The Faculty Forum has demanded a proper inquiry to ascertain the facts through due process. They have also expressed concern over the personal vilification of faculty members and appealed to students, institutions, the media, and the general public to exercise restraint during the investigation.
IIT Kanpur Faculty Forum Supports Prof Doolla
The IIT Kanpur Faculty Forum said Professor Doolla was performing his assigned responsibilities as a course instructor and invigilator. It expressed concern over the allegations and legal proceedings against him following the student’s death.
The forum called for an appropriate enquiry committee to examine the facts in a fair, transparent and time-bound manner. It also said that no individual should be held responsible before due process is completed.
The forum further appealed to students, faculty, administration, media and the public to avoid speculation while the investigation establishes the circumstances surrounding the incident.
IIT Indore Faculty Forum Seeks Fair Investigation
The IIT Indore Faculty Forum also called for a fair, transparent and time-bound investigation. It said faculty members performing officially assigned academic responsibilities should be able to uphold institutional regulations without fear of personal repercussions.
The forum stressed that responsibility, if established, should emerge from facts determined through due process rather than presumption or public pressure. It also urged IIT Bombay to provide necessary institutional support to Professor Doolla and his family during the proceedings.
Prof Doolla Removed as Dean, Continues as Faculty
Professor Suryanarayana Doolla was removed from his position as Dean (Administrative Affairs) at IIT Bombay amid protests following Wakode’s death. Reports have clarified that his removal from the administrative position does not mean that he has been suspended from the institute as a faculty member.
The IIT Bombay Faculty Forum has also publicly expressed support for Doolla, saying he was carrying out his duties under the institute’s academic policies.
Investigation Into Sahil Wakode Death Continues
The case remains under investigation, with the circumstances surrounding Wakode’s death and allegations raised by his family being examined by authorities. The family has raised allegations concerning caste-based treatment, while faculty representatives have disputed some aspects of the allegations.
The IIT Bombay Faculty Forum has said that the institute’s SC/ST cell had no record of a complaint from Wakode before his death. This is a statement from the faculty forum and does not by itself determine the outcome of the ongoing investigation.
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Note: Mental Health Helpline
If you or someone you know is experiencing emotional distress or having thoughts of self-harm, please seek immediate support from a trusted person or a mental-health professional. In India, Tele-MANAS (14416 provides 24x7 mental health support. In an immediate emergency, contact 112 or visit the nearest hospital.