IIT Bombay faculty rallies behind Professor Doolla in student suicide case as protests continue

The IIT Bombay faculty has come to the defense of Professor Suryanarayana Doolla following his removal as Dean of Administrative Affairs in the wake of a student's suicide. The faculty released a statement on Monday expressing their solidarity with Doolla, stating that he has been "temporarily relieved" of his duties to allow for an "independent, unbiased investigation" into the tragic incident.

Despite this temporary removal, the statement emphasized that Doolla remains a professor in good standing at the institution. The Faculty Forum of IIT Bombay reiterated their support for Doolla, expressing distress over false and misleading media reports that have tarnished his reputation. They also mourned the loss of the student who took their own life on September 18, 2026.

While the Institute of Technology Bombay (IIT Bombay) has not released a formal statement, the Director, Prof Shireesh Kedare, had sent an email to students earlier in the day, announcing Doolla's suspension as dean. This decision has sparked outrage among protesting IIT Bombay students, who have been demanding his immediate suspension from his professorship.

In response, faculty members have rallied together at the campus to support Doolla, with the Faculty Forum planning an additional march within the campus in solidarity with the professor.