Sahil Wakode Death Case: IIT Bombay Professor Suryanarayana Doolla Questioned For Nearly 10 Hours By Crime Branch

Mumbai: IIT Bombay professor Suryanarayana Doolla, a researcher in electrical and energy systems, has been questioned for nearly ten hours by the Mumbai Crime Branch as part of the investigation into the death of IIT-B student Sahil Wakode. Doolla, who was booked for alleged abetment of suicide, was questioned on Thursday, following complaints lodged by Wakode's father.

The questioning involved around 45 individuals, including Wakode's parents, fellow students, hostel staff, and others connected to the case. Doolla's statement was sought as part of the probe, which has also involved collecting electronic devices, such as mobile phones, a laptop, and a tablet, from Wakode's possession. These devices are being sent to the Forensic Science Laboratory in Kalina for analysis.

The Powai Police had registered an FIR against Professor Doolla based on a complaint from Wakode's father, who alleged that the professor subjected his son to caste-based abuse over three months, possibly at the direction of IIT Bombay Director Shirish Kedare. Wakode, a 22-year-old second-year BTech student, was found dead after allegedly accessing ChatGPT during a mid-semester examination.

His parents, on hunger strike for three days, have accused Doolla and Kedare of caste discrimination and are demanding their arrests. Professor Doolla was removed from his position as Dean (Administrative Affairs) following the incident, though he remains employed by the institution. A 10-member committee from IIT Bombay has been formed to investigate the circumstances surrounding Wakode's death, with police examining witness statements, technical evidence, and other aspects of the case.