IIT Delhi Faculty Forum Backs Prof Doolla, Raises Concerns Over Teacher Autonomy After Sahil Wakode Death Case

Mumbai: The IIT Delhi Faculty Forum has defended Professor Suryanarayana Doolla and voiced concerns over public pressure impacting academic environments following the tragic death of IIT Bombay student Sahil Wakode. In a statement on Monday, the forum backed Doolla, who was the invigilator during the mid-semester examination where Wakode, a second-year BTech student, allegedly used a mobile phone. Wakode later took his own life in his hostel room on the same day.

The faculty forum criticized "mob-driven behavior" and alleged that such pressure had influenced decision-making at IIT campuses in recent times. It warned that this could have serious consequences for the wider education system. Doolla was accused of caste-based discrimination and mental harassment by Wakode's parents, leading to his dismissal from his role as Dean of Administrative Affairs at IIT Bombay. However, he remains employed as a professor.

The IIT Delhi Faculty Forum condemned the public allegations against Doolla without credible evidence, emphasizing that he had merely performed his invigilation duties as per the institute's rules. They appealed for support for teachers to maintain fairness across the IIT system and urged IIT Bombay to provide Doolla and his family with necessary assistance. The forum also observed a two-minute silence in memory of Wakode.

This intervention by the faculty forum highlights the growing divide within the academic community, with students demanding accountability and reforms to the institute's grievance and mental-health systems, while faculty members emphasize the need for caution before taking action against teachers.