IIT-Bombay Dean Dismissed Amid Controversy: Faculty Rally for Support

Support for Professor Doolla Amid Student Tragedy

In a recent development, faculty members from IIT-Delhi have voiced their support for Professor Suryanarayana Doolla, who was dismissed from his position as dean of administrative affairs following protests linked to the tragic suicide of a 22-year-old student. The faculty asserts that Doolla was merely fulfilling his responsibilities.

Sahil Wakode, a second-year BTech student from Yavatmal, Maharashtra, was discovered deceased in his hostel room on Friday evening, shortly after being accused of using a mobile device to access ChatGPT during a mid-semester exam.

In response to a complaint from Sahil's family, the Mumbai Police have charged Doolla under the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act and Section 108 (abetment to suicide) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita.

The IIT-Delhi Faculty Forum released a statement emphasizing that Professor Doolla was acting in accordance with the institute's guidelines during the examination. They criticized the public allegations against him, which they claim lack credible evidence, and expressed solidarity with Doolla, his students, and his family.

Concerns have been raised among faculty regarding the integrity of evaluations and academic standards at IIT-Bombay due to the current situation. The Faculty Forum has urged the student body, their families, and the nation to support the faculty in upholding the integrity of the IIT system.

On the evening of the incident, faculty members at IIT-Bombay organized a march on campus to show their backing for Doolla.

The IIT-Bombay Faculty Forum defended Doolla, stating that he adhered to the 'Senate-approved exam procedure' when he reported the student for alleged phone usage on September 18.

The forum also highlighted Doolla's significant contributions to student welfare initiatives during his tenure as dean of student affairs, expressing distress over the negative portrayal of their colleague in misleading media reports.