IIT Bombay Faculty Forum Backs Professor Suryanarayana Doolla Amid Concerns Over Reputation After Student Death

Mumbai: The IIT Bombay Faculty Forum has voiced support for Professor Suryanarayana Doolla, amid worries that his reputation may be affected following a student’s death at the institution. In a statement released on Sunday, the forum expressed sorrow over the loss of the student and conveyed its condolences to the family. According to the forum, Professor Doolla was diligently carrying out his academic responsibilities in compliance with the policies established by the institute's Senate.

On Friday, September 18, the professor was overseeing an examination between 11 am and 1 pm when he reportedly noticed a student allegedly possessing a smartphone and using it during the exam, as reported by the forum. Per Institute Protocol The professor promptly reported the alleged academic misconduct to the institute's authorities, adhering to the established protocol.

The Faculty Forum of IIT Bombay expressed deep distress over the tarnishing of Professor Doolla's reputation, emphasizing that he was merely fulfilling his academic duties and adhering to the institute's approved procedures. The forum did not provide additional information regarding the circumstances surrounding the student’s death or confirm if the student from the examination incident was the same person who passed away.

The statement was issued by Professor Rajkumar S Pant, the president of the IIT Bombay Faculty Forum. The forum serves as an official platform through which faculty members at IIT Bombay communicate their perspectives to the institute and other organizations.