IIT Bombay Professor Suryanarayana Doolla sent on leave for impartial probe into student’s death

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Heavy security deployed at the main gate of IIT Bombay in Mumbai. | Photo Credit: ANI

The Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Bombay Professor Suryanarayana Doolla, an accused in the alleged suicide of student Sahil Wakode, has been sent on leave to facilitate an impartial probe into the case, sources said on Wednesday (September 23, 2026).

IIT Bombay on Monday (September 21, 2026) removed Doolla as the dean of Administrative Affairs following protests over the student’s suicide.

Prof. Doolla has been sent on leave after being removed from his dean post to enable an impartial probe, with no classes currently underway, the sources said.

The Mumbai Crime Branch is currently investigating Wakode’s death.

Wakode (22), a second-year B.Tech student in the Department of Energy Science and Engineering, was found dead in his hostel room on the evening of September 18, according to officials.

A case on charges of suicide abetment and caste discrimination has been registered against Doolla.

Wakode’s mother on Tuesday (September 22, 2026) claimed he had told them that he was tortured, abused, and humiliated based on his caste.

His parents have demanded the immediate arrest of IIT Bombay Director Professor Shirish Kedare and Prof. Doolla.

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