IIT-B student suicide: Prof Doolla questioned for 8 hours, denies casteist remarks

The Mumbai Crime Branch has recorded the statement of IIT Bombay professor Suryanarayana Doolla in connection with BTech student Sahil Wakode's death by suicide. In his statement, Doolla denied allegations of caste-based harassment and maintained that he followed the institute’s prescribed guidelines.

Doolla was questioned for around eight to 10 hours on Friday at the IIT Bombay campus in Powai, according to sources. During the questioning, he told investigators that he had not used any casteist or derogatory language while interacting with Sahil and rejected the allegations made against him, sources said, as reported by ANI.

The latest questioning comes as the Crime Branch continues to examine the circumstances surrounding Sahil’s death, including allegations raised by his family, statements from students and faculty members, and digital evidence collected during the investigation.CRIME BRANCH EXAMINES STATEMENTS, DIGITAL EVIDENCE

The Crime Branch has been investigating the circumstances leading up to Sahil’s death and has so far questioned several people connected with the case.

Earlier, investigators had recorded the statements of around 40 people, including Sahil’s family members, fellow students, hostel staff and others associated with the institute. The police have also been examining electronic evidence as part of the probe.

Sahil’s mobile phones and other electronic devices were sent to the Forensic Science Laboratory in Kalina for examination. Investigators are examining the devices and other digital evidence to establish a sequence of events before his death.

The Crime Branch is also looking into Sahil’s communications and interactions in the days and hours before his death, including his last phone conversation with a friend.

According to information emerging from the investigation, Sahil had discussed concerns related to a Thermodynamics examination during his final conversation with his friend. Police are also probing a claim that he had told the friend he was caught cheating during the examination. The circumstances surrounding the examination are among the aspects being examined by investigators.

Sahil, a second-year BTech student at IIT Bombay, died by suicide on September 18. The Crime Branch took over the investigation from Powai Police and has since been examining statements, electronic evidence and other material connected with the case.SAHIL'S FAMILY ALLEGES CASTE-BASED HARASSMENT

Following Sahil’s death, his family alleged that he had faced caste-based discrimination and mental harassment at IIT Bombay. Professor Doolla was among those named in the allegations.

The family has alleged that Doolla used casteist language against Sahil and that the student was under significant mental pressure. These allegations have been denied by the professor.

During his questioning, Doolla told the Crime Branch that he had followed the institute’s rules and procedures while dealing with Sahil and denied using caste-based or derogatory words, sources said.

The Crime Branch is now expected to examine his statement alongside the accounts of other people questioned in the case and the evidence collected during the investigation.

The allegations of caste-based harassment and the circumstances that may have contributed to Sahil’s death remain under investigation. No final conclusion has been reached by the investigating agency.IIT BOMBAY STUDENTS CONTINUE PROTEST

The case has also triggered prolonged student protests on the IIT Bombay campus.

Students have been protesting for 14 days and, on October 2, announced a hunger strike while putting forward a list of 10 demands. Their demands include calls for greater accountability, changes to student welfare mechanisms, reforms in disciplinary procedures and action on concerns related to caste discrimination.

The protesting students have also sought an independent investigation into the circumstances surrounding Sahil’s death. They have raised concerns about the institute’s handling of student grievances, examination-related stress, mental health support and disciplinary processes.

The protests have continued as the Crime Branch carries out its investigation into the case.INVESTIGATION CONTINUES

The Mumbai Crime Branch is now examining Professor Doolla’s statement along with the statements of students, faculty members and other witnesses, as well as digital and forensic evidence.

The investigation is focused on establishing a clear timeline of events before Sahil’s death and examining the allegations raised by his family. The probe remains underway, and the circumstances surrounding the student’s death are yet to be conclusively established.- Ends