Story perspectives

Crime Branch Investigates IIT Bombay Professor After Student Suicide

By Drooid · Sep 29, 2026, 4:32 PM UTC · How we work

Summary

Professor Doolla Booked

IIT Bombay professor Suryanarayana Doolla was booked for abetment after student Sahil Ravindra Wakode’s suicide.
Wakode, a second-year BTech student, was caught with a hidden device on September 18.
Professor Doolla seized the device and escorted Wakode out of the exam hall.
Wakode’s parents began a hunger strike, alleging caste-based harassment by the institute.
The institute removed Doolla from his dean post, marking the third IIT Bombay suicide in seven months.

Summary

Crime Branch Investigates

Crime Branch took over the case on September 19, launching a detailed forensic investigation.
Investigators sent the victim’s iPhone and CCTV footage to the Kalina Forensic Science Laboratory for analysis.
Police recorded statements from more than 25 students, faculty members and hostel staff.
Students staged a candlelight march and a “Justice Corner” sit-in to demand a new inquiry panel.

History

Historical Context

The Mandal Commission’s 27% OBC reservation, announced by Prime Minister V. P. Singh in August 1990, sparked nationwide campus protests—including Rajiv Goswami’s self-immolation and 3,000 students occupying Delhi University in 1995. The Supreme Court upheld the quota in 2008, and today similar caste-based unrest resurfaces after IIT Bombay professor S. Doolla’s removal, prompting candlelight marches.

1 of 3

Professor Doolla Booked

IIT Bombay professor Suryanarayana Doolla was booked for abetment after student Sahil Ravindra Wakode’s suicide.
Wakode, a second-year BTech student, was caught with a hidden device on September 18.
Professor Doolla seized the device and escorted Wakode out of the exam hall.
Wakode’s parents began a hunger strike, alleging caste-based harassment by the institute.
The institute removed Doolla from his dean post, marking the third IIT Bombay suicide in seven months.

1 / 3