A forum representing around 750 Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Bombay faculty members on Monday issued a statement backing Suryanarayan Doolla, a former dean of student affairs, accused of abetting suicide of a second-year BTech student.
The IIT Bombay Faculty Forum said it “stands strongly” with Doolla.
The institute’s director, Shireesh Kedare, on Sunday accepted a charter of demands. All lectures were cancelled on Monday and police detained students during a protest outside the campus. The second-year BTech student was allegedly caught cheating in an exam on Friday.
IITB students continued their protest for a fourth day even as the institute convened a special meeting of its Board of Governors to discuss the issues raised by students. His parents named Doolla in a case filed with the police, alleging caste discrimination. It added it is a formal body through which faculty members can voice their opinions.
The forum said it was “pained by the sad demise” of the student. It said it was distressed by what it described as false and misleading reports that had affected the reputation of a colleague.
Students Demand Accountability Following Tragic Deaths
Students are calling for the resignation of Kedare and an independent investigation into the recent suicides of four students during his administration. They are advocating for a committee made up of professors, student representatives, and external members to thoroughly investigate the circumstances surrounding the latest suicide that occurred on Friday. The students insist that the findings of this inquiry be made public by September 30.
In response to the situation, the forum highlighted the contributions of Doolla, a respected faculty member recognized for his teaching excellence, which includes two awards based on student feedback. During his time as dean of student affairs, he spearheaded various initiatives aimed at enhancing student welfare.
