Initial investigation has found no concrete evidence to link an IIT Bombay professor in an abetment to suicide case on the campus, people with direct knowledge of the matter said. They said no conclusion has been reached, however, on the allegations, and investigators are examining all available evidence.
Professor Investigated After Exam Cheating Incident
A professor at the university, Suryanarayana Doolla, is under investigation following an incident during an exam earlier today. CCTV footage captured Doolla asking a student, identified as Wakode, to leave the exam hall after he was allegedly caught using a mobile phone to cheat.
According to police sources, Doolla was responsible for examination supervision on the day of the incident. Eyewitnesses reported that he noticed Wakode with the phone and subsequently instructed him to exit the classroom.
After being removed from the exam, Wakode was taken to the head of department’s office, where another professor was present. The Crime Branch is now questioning Doolla along with the two professors who were involved in the interaction following the incident.
Wakode’s family had alleged he was subjected to institutional harassment and caste-based discrimination on campus, due to which he died by suicide. They have filed a case under the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, 1989, alleging discrimination.
Investigation Underway Following Dean’s Resignation
The IIT Bombay Faculty Forum has shown support for Doolla, who has stepped down from his position as dean of students welfare to facilitate a fair investigation. While he has not been suspended, his resignation comes amid ongoing scrutiny.
Authorities are currently reviewing CCTV footage from the examination hall and other campus locations to piece together the timeline of events. The Crime Branch has indicated that the investigation is still in its early stages.
