Mumbai, Sept. 22: The parents of IIT Bombay student Sahil Wakode have demanded the immediate arrest of professor Suryanarayana Doolla, as the Mumbai Crime Branch investigates the second-year student’s death on the institute’s Powai campus last week.
Wakode’s father, Ravindra Wakode, told reporters on Tuesday that police should arrest Doolla at the earliest. Doolla had earlier been removed as Dean, Students Welfare at IIT Bombay. Ravindra Wakode also displayed a copy of the First Information Report and said appropriate sections had been incorporated for the investigation.
The family has maintained that Sahil faced harassment and alleged caste-based abuse and discrimination. His father rejected suggestions that the death should be viewed simply as a case of suicide and said his son had been an exceptionally bright student who had cleared the JEE Advanced examination.
Ravindra Wakode alleged that references to cheating were being used to divert attention from what the family considers the central issue. He also said Sahil had told his parents that he was being harassed.
The student was found dead on the IIT Powai campus after authorities reportedly caught him using a mobile phone during an examination. His death, which occurred a few hours after the incident, led to student protests on the campus.
Recalling his interactions with his son, Ravindra Wakode said he regretted asking him to adjust to the situation at IIT in the hope of securing a better future.
Sahil’s mother, Sonali Wakode, also said the family had supported their son when they met him at his hostel after he told them he was being subjected to torture. She said they believed that taking him home at that point might have prevented his death. She added that the family has faith in the judiciary.
The Crime Branch recorded statements from Sahil’s parents on Tuesday as part of the ongoing investigation. Police officials said investigators are also examining information stored on his iPhone, which remains locked. They are seeking technical assistance to access the device.
Officials said access to the phone could help investigators obtain further information, including Sahil’s ChatGPT history, which they intend to examine in connection with the claims.
Police also said the IIT Powai campus has an SC/ST Cell and a Student Counselling Centre where students can report problems or seek assistance. Investigators plan to write to both departments to determine whether Sahil had previously lodged a complaint or sought counselling there.
