IIT-Bombay Probe: Professor on Leave Amid Student Death

IIT-Bombay's board of governors has taken significant action following the tragic death of BTech student Sahil Wakode. Professor Suryanarayana Doolla, dean of student affairs and facing scrutiny, has been directed to proceed on leave.

A 10-member high-level committee, chaired by Prof Ramesh Venkateswaran, has been established to thoroughly examine the events leading to Wakode's passing. This committee, which includes student members, is tasked with submitting its findings within a week.

Faculty bodies from several IIT campuses have called for due process and an impartial investigation. Student representatives have stated that their protest is aimed at advocating for systemic and institutional reforms, rather than defending any form of academic misconduct. They expressed a desire for the concerns arising from Wakode's death to remain student-led.

Concerns have been raised regarding alleged lax frisking procedures before exams, with students noting that checks can be cursory. Meanwhile, the institute announced that exams postponed on September 19 and 20 are rescheduled for the upcoming Saturday and Sunday.

The father of the deceased student, Ravindra Wakode, has met with crime branch officers and indicated his intention to commence a hunger strike if IIT officials named in the case are not apprehended.