03 October,2026 11:24 AM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondent
The Powai police registered an FIR against Professor Doolla based on a complaint filed by Sahil’s father. Representational Pic
Mumbai Police questioned Indian Institute of Technology Bombay (IIT-B) professor Suryanarayana Doolla for nearly 10 hours in connection with the alleged suicide of 22-year-old student Sahil Wakode, an official said on Saturday, PTI reported.
Professor Doolla, who faces allegations of harassment and caste-based discrimination from the deceased student's parents, denied all charges during questioning on Thursday, the official said. His statement has been officially recorded.
Sahil Wakode was found hanging in his hostel room on the evening of September 18, hours after he was allegedly caught using his mobile phone to access ChatGPT during a mid-semester examination.
The Powai police registered an FIR against Professor Doolla based on a complaint filed by Sahil's father.
Sahil Wakode's parents, who went on a hunger strike at Azad Maidan in south Mumbai seeking justice for their deceased son, have alleged caste discrimination at the premier institute. They have demanded the arrest of Professor Doolla and IIT Bombay Director Shirish Kedare.
The Crime Branch, which is probing the case, has so far recorded statements from around 40 people, including Sahil's parents, students, friends, and institute and hostel staff, the official said.
Police are also likely to summon Kedare soon to record his statement in connection with the case, he added.
The IIT Bombay board had earlier constituted a 10-member committee to inquire into the circumstances surrounding the student's death.
Meanwhile, a group of eight students at IIT Bombay has begun a hunger strike demanding the complete suspension of Professor Suryanarayana Doolla, who was named in the FIR filed by the parents of deceased student Sahil Wakode.
Sahil's parents, Ravindra and Sonali Wakode, have filed an FIR invoking provisions related to abetment and the SC/ST Act. Their statement names IIT Bombay Director and Professor Suryanarayana Doolla in connection with the case.
The protesting students are also demanding that Sahil's parents be allowed access to the IIT Bombay campus. They have called for an independent committee to investigate the circumstances surrounding Sahil's death and have sought Professor Doolla's suspension until the investigation is completed.
Among their other demands are the removal of the SC/ST Cell, the resignation of the IIT Bombay Director and reforms to the institute's student wellness centres.
(With PTI inputs)
