IIT Delhi supports Professor Suryanarayan Dulu and expresses concern over crowd behavior

The death of Sahil Ravindra Wakode, a second-year B.Tech student at IIT Bombay, has garnered significant attention. In relation to this incident, the institute has publicly apologized on social media for its previous statement. Furthermore, the institute has clarified the situation regarding the case involving Professor Suryanarayan Dulla.

The institute acknowledged that commenting on the causes or circumstances of the incident before the police investigation was complete was inappropriate and irresponsible. Meanwhile, student representatives of IIT Bombay have also issued an official statement clarifying allegations related to cheating. The student representatives emphasized that they do not support any form of plagiarism or academic misconduct. However, Sahil's death is a deeply tragic event that has compelled a reconsideration of the institute's functioning and procedures. They stated that the students' demonstration was not to justify academic misconduct but to highlight long-standing systemic issues and demand strong institutional reforms so that no student has to face such situations in the future.

The student representatives also mentioned that an open forum was held with the Director and other members of the institute administration, giving students an opportunity to raise their concerns and questions directly. Regarding Professor Suryanarayan Dulla, the students clarified that their stance was not to blame him or draw conclusions before the investigation. The students demanded that he be relieved of his administrative responsibilities as Dean of Administrative Affairs until the investigation is complete, so that it can proceed completely independently.

In this context, the IIT Bombay Faculty Forum has released a clarification regarding the ongoing media reports concerning Professor Suryanarayan Dulla. The Forum confirmed that Prof. Dulla has not been suspended from the services of IIT Bombay and remains a faculty member of the institute. A statement issued by the Forum's President, Prof. Rajkumar S. Pant, stated that Prof. Dulla was temporarily removed from the responsibilities of Dean (Administrative Affairs) with the aim of ensuring an independent and impartial investigation into the incident of September 18, 2026. The Forum asserted its strong support for its colleague, Prof. Dulla.

Student organizations outside the campus, AISA and others, are also protesting. Sana Salim, an English Literature student from Mumbai University and a demonstrator for AISA, said that an apology only on social media is not enough. She demanded that protests would continue until full accountability and transparency are established, and first demanded the resignation of the Director and the concerned professors.

This incident occurred at the Powai campus of IIT Bombay, where Sahil Ravindra Wakode (22), a second-year B.Tech student of the Energy Science and Engineering Department, was found hanging from a ceiling fan in his hostel room on Friday evening. This incident took place a few hours after he was caught using mobile phones and ChatGPT during the mid-semester examination. The family had alleged institutional harassment and caste-based discrimination, which led to the students starting protests. The student protesters claimed that Sahil was under immense pressure and was being threatened with academic suspension.

Following the complaint by Sahil's parents, the police registered an FIR under the charges of abetment to suicide, incorporating both the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita and the SC/ST Act (Prevention of Atrocities). During the preliminary investigation, the statement issued by the institute mentioned some circumstances related to the incident, which were not officially proven. Subsequently, questions arose about the institute's statement, and the administration publicly apologized on social media.

Unrest continues at the prestigious IIT Bombay institution in Powai, Mumbai, following the death of student Sahil. Protests are taking place both inside and outside the campus, marking the fourth day of the movement. Student organizations are leveling serious accusations against the administration, demanding the resignation of the director and professors, as the situation begins to attract political attention.

Student organizations, including AISA, are holding continuous demonstrations outside the campus. Students and female students are demanding not just apologies, but the resignation of the director. Sana Salim, an English Literature student at the University of Mumbai and an AISA activist, emphasized that social media apologies are insufficient. She stated that apologies are meaningless until a firm statement is issued. Their demand is for the protests to continue until full accountability and transparency are established, and they insist on the immediate resignation of the director and all involved professors.

Protesters claim that Sahil's tragedy is not an isolated incident. According to student organizations, this is the second death in the last two months and the fourth in the last year. Aksha from AISA reported that three out of the four cases in the past year involved students from the Jat community. She noted that the student had previously informed his parents about discrimination and caste humiliation related to his background.

Other students argue that when cheating or using ChatGPT in class is discovered, measures such as grade reduction or warnings are usually applied. However, the threat of immediate one-year suspension is considered excessively harsh and exerts significant psychological pressure.

Key Demands of the Students

Among the main demands of the students are the immediate resignation of the Dean and the Director of IIT Bombay. They also insist on implementing specific measures to improve mental health on campus and reduce academic pressure. Another demand is the creation of an independent student body that could directly discuss students' rights and issues.

Videos have emerged from the protests on campus. One video shows the IIT Director sitting among students, listening to their demands, and signing documents. Another video, shot inside the campus, shows students asking representatives of the SFI organization to leave the campus premises.

Political Reaction and Calls for Neutrality

The escalating tension at IIT Bombay has led to political statements. Anand Dubey, a representative of Shiv Sena (UBT), stated that IIT Bombay should not turn into a political arena. He noted the need to improve the country's education system, expressing sympathy for the deceased student's family. At the same time, he also stressed the need to consider the condition of the faculty and the director who are under pressure to resign.

Dubey added that preventing cheating is the responsibility of teachers and management, just as saving students from suicide is. He called for an impartial investigation into this matter by the SIT, Criminal Department, or the police. In his view, before the full truth of the investigation is known, unilateral pressure should not be exerted, nor should political motives be sought.