Dean Prof. Suryanarayan Dulla suspended as IIT Bombay apologises for earlier remarks and accepts students’ 18 demands
The suicide of 22-year-old second-year B.Tech student Sahil Ravindra Wakode at the Indian Institute of Technology Bombay has triggered protests on campus and complaints from his family. Following the protests and allegations raised by students and the family, IIT Bombay has suspended Dean Professor Suryanarayan Dulla with immediate effect.
Mumbai: Sahil, who was from Yavatmal in Maharashtra, was pursuing his B.Tech in the Energy Science department. His death occurred shortly after allegations that he had attempted to use ChatGPT during a mid-semester examination. The incident has also led to allegations of institutional harassment and caste-based discrimination.
According to the allegations, Sahil uploaded a question paper to ChatGPT using his mobile phone during the mid-semester examination held on Friday and attempted to use the platform to copy answers. A few hours after the examination ended, he was found dead in his hostel room at the Powai campus.
The circumstances surrounding his death have since become the subject of an investigation. Sahil’s family and fellow students have alleged that he had faced institutional harassment and caste-based discrimination on campus.
Also Read: IIT Bombay Student Dies by Suicide After Being Caught Using ChatGPT in Exam
Following a complaint by Sahil’s parents, Mumbai Police registered an FIR against Professor Dulla and others under provisions relating to abetment of suicide and the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act. The investigation has subsequently been handed over to the Crime Branch.
Students’ 18 Demands Accepted by IIT Bombay Administration
Hundreds of students staged a protest near the institute’s main gate, continuing their demonstration until midnight. Their demands included an impartial investigation into the circumstances surrounding Sahil’s death, compensation and changes to institutional regulations.
IIT Bombay Director Professor Shirish Kedare personally met the protesting students and held discussions with them for more than three hours. Following the talks, the administration signed a charter accepting all 18 demands raised by the students.
The agreement covers measures relating to the investigation, compensation and changes to existing rules and procedures.
IIT Bombay Apologises for Earlier Statement
The institute administration also apologised for statements previously made regarding the circumstances surrounding Sahil’s death.
“It is not appropriate to determine the reasons for a death while an investigation is underway. We apologise for the earlier statements.”
The institute also clarified reports concerning Director Shirish Kedare’s alleged resignation, describing them as rumours.
IIT Bombay Plans Replacement of Hostel Ceiling Fans
Sahil’s death is reported to be the third suicide case at the IIT Bombay campus this year. As part of preventive measures, the institute has decided to remove conventional ceiling fans from hostel rooms and replace them with wall-mounted fans.
The first batch of wall-mounted fans has already reached the campus. The replacement process is being undertaken as a preventive measure aimed at reducing suicide risks in hostel rooms.
Faculty Forum Supports Suspended IIT Bombay Dean
Although Professor Dulla has been suspended, the institute’s faculty forum has expressed support for the professor.
The faculty body said professors had acted within the examination regulations framed by the IIT Senate. It also stated that the student had been counselled and assured that no disciplinary action would be taken against him.
The faculty forum’s position comes amid the ongoing investigation into the circumstances surrounding the student’s death and the allegations raised by his family and fellow students.
Mental Health Concerns in Higher Education Institutions
The incident has renewed attention on mental health support and suicide prevention measures in higher education institutions. Students at institutions such as the IITs face demanding academic schedules and competitive environments, while complaints concerning discrimination and institutional pressure have also emerged in different cases.
Education experts and the Union Education Ministry have repeatedly emphasised the need to strengthen counselling and student-support mechanisms in higher education institutions.
The developments at IIT Bombay have brought renewed focus on accessible mental health support, effective grievance mechanisms and preventive measures for students facing academic or personal difficulties.
