IIT-Bombay Removes Dean Amid Protests Over Student Suicide

Public Lokpal
September 21, 2026

IIT-Bombay has removed Professor Suryanarayana Doolla from his administrative post as dean following intense campus protests over the tragic suicide of 20-year-old BTech student Sahil Wakode.

Wakode died by suicide hours after being caught using a mobile phone and ChatGPT during a mid-semester exam where Doolla was the invigilator.

Following a complaint by the student's family, an FIR was registered by the Mumbai Police against Doolla under charges of abetment to suicide and the SC/ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act.

In response to a three-day student agitation, Director Prof. Shireesh Kedare signed an 18-point charter of demands, leading to Doolla's immediate suspension from his deanship.

The institute also issued a public apology for its premature statements regarding the circumstances of the student's death.

Meanwhile, the Mumbai Police Crime Branch has taken over the investigation to establish accountability.