IIT Bombay Suspends Prof. Suryanarayana Doolla as Dean, Apologizes for Statement on Sahil Wakode Death
Mumbai: The tussle at the Indian Institute of Technology Bombay (IIT Bombay) has taken a fresh twist after the demise of second-year BTech student Sahil Ravindra Wakode. IIT Bombay has suspended Prof. Suryanarayana Doolla from the post of Dean with immediate effect and has apologised for the remarks made about the circumstances of Sahil Wakode’s death. The institute stated that the issue is being probed by the concerned authorities.
The new development comes after a series of student protests over the alleged negligence on the part of the institute and its administration.
IIT Bombay Suspends Doolla from Dean’s Post
As per the latest information, Prof. Suryanarayana Doolla has been suspended from the post of Dean with immediate effect. Reports suggest that he was the Dean of Administrative Affairs, while he earlier held the post of Dean of Student Affairs. It may also be noted that the suspension does not entail removal from the faculty. IIT Bombay has clarified that Doolla will continue to be a professor and the Head of the Department of Energy Science and Engineering, with further action being taken after the completion of the probe.
Why is Prof. Doolla Under Scrutiny?
The series of developments came after Sahil Wakode’s death that occurred on September 18. IIT Bombay released a statement about the incident, mentioning that the student used his mobile phone during a mid-semester examination and uploaded the question paper on an artificial intelligence portal to seek assistance. The institute added that Wakode was counselled by the instructor and the Head of Department and that no action was taken against him.
Prof. Doolla was the invigilator during the examination. The student’s family members accused the professor of harassment and caste-based discrimination, and a police case was filed against him, which is currently under investigation. It may be noted that the allegations have not been found to be true by the concerned authorities.
IIT Bombay Apologises for Remarks about Wakode’s Death
In this regard, IIT Bombay released a fresh statement, clarifying that it regretted the remarks made in the previous statement about the circumstances of the student’s death. The authorities stated that the details about the incident preceding Wakode’s death were still under investigation, and it was inappropriate to comment on the matter before the probe concluded.
The institute’s latest statement can be seen as a turnaround, signaling that it will let the police investigate and take cognizance of the developments before taking any further action.
Protests at IIT Bombay and 18-Point Charter of Demands
The latest turn of events occurred after the student protests at IIT Bombay, which took place following Wakode’s death. The student union raised several issues before the administration, including the alleged negligence on the part of the institute in the wake of the examination incident, excessive academic pressure, and the lack of infrastructure and support for the students.
The administration reached an amicable resolution with the protesting students, one of whose demands was the implementation of an 18-point charter. The 18-point charter of demands included matters pertaining to the faculty, such as action against officials like Prof. Doolla, and student welfare, including a police inquiry into the matter and the establishment of a more supportive campus atmosphere.
The student protests have also triggered a larger debate about how educational institutions can balance the need to take strict actions against academic malpractices while being sensitive to students’ welfare.
What Happens Next?
The probe into the circumstances of Sahil Wakode’s death appears to be the primary focus of attention for now. It has been stated that no further action will be taken against Prof. Doolla until the completion of the investigation. Apart from that, the police are also looking into the allegations levelled against the professor by Sahil Wakode’s family.
IIT Bombay has also released a clarification in this regard, countering the reports of Director Prof. Shireesh B. Kedare’s resignation as false. The student protests have highlighted the need for institutions to have well-defined policies and protocols for addressing academic violations and related issues. This, in turn, will help ensure that the rights of both the students and faculty are protected.
Students’ Welfare Cannot Be Ignored
The events at IIT Bombay offer several lessons for students. The most important lesson is that academic excellence should be complemented by appropriate welfare services provided by educational institutions. In cases of harassment, discrimination, and other forms of misconduct, students should not hesitate to approach their parents, teachers, or counselors, as well as external authorities, to protect their rights.
Conclusion
IIT Bombay has suspended Prof. Suryanarayana Doolla from the post of Dean and has apologised for its earlier remarks about Sahil Wakode’s death. The professor has been removed from the post of Dean of Student Affairs, from where he was posted earlier, and from the post of Dean of Administrative Affairs.
However, he continues to be a professor and the Head of the Department of Energy Science and Engineering, with further action being taken after the completion of the probe. It has also been clarified that Prof. Shireesh Kedare, the Director of IIT Bombay, has not resigned, and that the allegations against Prof. Doolla have not been found to be true by the authorities.
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