IIT Bombay Student Death Case: Professor Doolla Questioned by Crime Branch for Hours

The Mumbai Crime Branch has recorded the statement of IIT Bombay professor Suryanarayan Doolla as part of its investigation into the death of student Sahil Wakode. The questioning took place on the institute’s Powai campus and reportedly continued for several hours.

Doolla was questioned about his interactions with Wakode during a mid-semester examination and the events that followed. Investigators are examining whether institutional procedures were properly followed and whether any conduct toward the student contributed to the circumstances surrounding his death.

According to reports emerging from the investigation, Doolla rejected allegations that he made caste-based or derogatory remarks toward Wakode. He reportedly told investigators that he had acted according to the rules and procedures prescribed by IIT Bombay.

The professor had been the instructor and invigilator associated with the examination in which Wakode was allegedly found using a mobile phone. The circumstances surrounding the examination subsequently became an important part of the police inquiry.

Wakode's family has alleged that their son faced caste-based discrimination and harassment. These allegations are part of the case being investigated by the Mumbai Crime Branch. The police are examining statements from multiple people connected with the student, including family members, students and institute personnel.

The investigation has expanded beyond the role of individual faculty members. Police are also examining institutional records and other evidence to establish a timeline of events and determine whether there were any procedural lapses.

IIT Bombay has previously taken administrative action involving Doolla amid protests and concerns raised following Wakode's death. The institute has also maintained that the circumstances surrounding the incident require investigation rather than premature conclusions.

The case has triggered protests on the IIT Bombay campus, with students and Wakode's family demanding accountability and a thorough examination of the allegations. At the same time, faculty members have publicly supported Doolla and argued that conclusions should not be reached before the investigation is completed.

The institute has also constituted an internal committee to examine the circumstances surrounding Wakode's death. Its findings, along with the police investigation, could become important in determining whether institutional procedures were followed and whether further action is warranted.

The Crime Branch has already recorded statements from a large number of people connected to the case. Investigators are expected to compare those accounts with documentary and electronic evidence before reaching conclusions.

For now, no allegation against Doolla should be treated as proven. His statement represents his account of the events, while the police investigation is continuing. The final findings will depend on the evidence gathered by investigators and any subsequent legal proceedings.

The case has also renewed discussion around student welfare, academic pressure, grievance mechanisms and the need for transparent procedures when serious disputes arise within educational institutions.