Professor Suryanarayana Doolla of IIT Bombay has been sent on leave following serious allegations of abetment and caste discrimination in connection with the death of 22-year-old student Sahil Wakode. The institute has also established a 10-member committee to thoroughly investigate the circumstances leading to Wakode's demise.
Wakode, a second-year BTech student in Energy Science and Engineering, was discovered deceased in his hostel room on September 18. This occurred hours after he was reportedly caught using a mobile phone with ChatGPT during a mid-semester examination.
Parents Allege Casteist Abuse and Humiliation
Sahil Wakode's parents have come forward, alleging their son endured months of caste-based abuse and humiliation at the prestigious institution. His mother, Sonali Wakode, stated that Sahil had confided in the family about being "tortured, abused, and humiliated" due to his caste.
"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," Sonali Wakode claimed.
She recounted a meeting with Sahil on September 13 in his hostel room, where he detailed his suffering. Mrs. Wakode expressed regret, saying, "In hindsight, I feel that telling him to tolerate the situation was our mistake."
Questions Raised Over Cheating Allegations
The family also strongly contested the institute's initial claims that Sahil was caught using ChatGPT during an exam. They have demanded evidence for such allegations, suggesting they might be a diversion from the issues outlined in the First Information Report (FIR).
Sahil's father, Ravindra Wakode, emphasized his son's academic brilliance, noting that cracking the JEE Advanced exam is a significant achievement. He believes the full truth will emerge only after those accused are apprehended.
Police Investigation and Institute Response
The Mumbai Crime Branch has summoned Professor Doolla for questioning as part of its ongoing investigation. Officials have confirmed that statements from Sahil's parents have been recorded, with those of IIT Bombay officials, including Professor Doolla, pending.
Following student protests on campus after Wakode's death, Professor Doolla was removed from his position as dean of Administrative Affairs. The IIT Bombay Alumni Association has called for a fair, transparent, and swift investigation, urging against online speculation and media trials. They also expressed readiness to collaborate with the institute to enhance mental health resources and support campus well-being.
Meanwhile, an IIT Bombay alumnus and activist, Sudheendra Kulkarni, has advocated for a national debate on reforming the SC/ST Act, citing its alleged misuse, and stressed the need for higher education institutions to improve campus life and support marginalized students.