IIT-Bombay student death case: Dean Professor removed

Protesters hold a candlelight vigil to pay tribute to deceased students of IIT-Bombay in Mumbai on September 21, 2026. | Photo credit: PTI

The Indian Institute of Technology (IIT)-Bombay said on Monday (September 21, 2026) that Professor Suryanarayana Doolla has been removed as dean with immediate effect, days after the student’s death.

The director of the institute, prof. Shireesh Kedare, in an official email stated that Prof. Doolla, who currently serves as dean (administrative affairs), has been removed from the post, officials said.

“Any further action will be taken following an investigation,” the director added.

Previously, prof. Doolla as Dean (Student Affairs).

Sahil Ravindra Wakode (22), a second-year BTech student in the Department of Energy Sciences and Engineering, was found dead in his hotel room at IIT-Bombay’s Powai campus on Friday (September 18, 2026) evening. In the first statement, IIT-Bombay claimed that it was caught using a mobile phone during a mid-semester exam.

His family alleged that Wakode, a native of Maharashtra’s Yavatmal district, was subjected to institutional harassment and caste-based discrimination before he took the extreme step, sparking a protest by students on campus.

The protesters alleged that Wakode faced heavy pressure and threats to suspend his studies.

Following a complaint by the student’s parents, the police on Saturday (September 19, 2026) registered an FIR on charges of abetting suicide under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita Act and provisions of the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act. In the case, which the police say is being investigated by Kriminálka, a professor has been named as the accused.

(Help to overcome suicidal thoughts is available on the state health line 104, Tele-MANAS 14416. and Sneha on the suicide prevention helpline 044-24640050).

Published – 21 Sep 2026 16:14 IST