IIT Faculty Forums Back Prof Doolla, Condemn ‘Mob-Driven’ Behaviour

Soon after being temporarily relieved of his responsibilities as Dean (Administrative Affairs) of IIT Bombay in relation to the student suicide case, faculty forums at IIT Bombay, along with those at IIT Delhi and IIT Madras, voiced support for Professor Suryanarayana Doolla.

On Monday, professors from IIT Bombay held a protest march across the campus, holding signs and posters in solidarity with their colleague. In a statement, the faculty forum said it was “distressed by the vilification of our colleague’s reputation through false and misleading media reports” and “stands strongly” with Professor Doolla.

It added that the faculty members also reaffirmed their profound sorrow over the tragic death of their student, which occurred on September 18.

The IIT Delhi faculty forum also urged the student community, their families, and others to provide support so that “the faculty can carry out their duties in upholding the integrity and fairness of the entire IIT system.”

Faculty forums condemn mob-driven behaviour

The IIT Delhi faculty forum also condemned mob-driven behaviour, which it said has affected decision-making at the IITs on various occasions in recent times. The statement observed that multiple allegations had been levelled against Professor Doolla, yet no credible evidence had been provided to support them.

The forum called on IIT Bombay to offer all required institutional and personal support to Professor Doolla and his family. It also committed its full support to him.

IIT Madras also extended its support, saying, “The death of any student is a loss to the entire academic community… At such a time of grief, we believe it is essential that the circumstances be reviewed fairly and in accordance with due process.”

Professor Doolla acted as the invigilator in the hall where students, including Sahil Wakode, were sitting for a test. Doolla reportedly caught Sahil allegedly using a mobile phone to access ChatGPT inside the hall. Later that day, the student died by suicide. The incident triggered protests at IIT Bombay, with allegations of administrative overreach and caste-based discrimination taking centre stage in the discussions.