The IIT Bombay Faculty Forum has expressed its backing for Professor Suryanarayana Doolla following his removal from the role of Dean of Administrative Affairs. The support comes after the tragic death of 22-year-old student Sahil Wakode, which occurred on September 18. The Faculty Forum intends to organise a protest march on campus to demonstrate solidarity with Doolla amid widespread scrutiny.

According to sources, the Faculty Forum asserts that Professor Doolla acted responsibly in his capacity as an invigilator and adhered to the institution’s established procedures upon allegedly discovering academic malpractice during an examination. The Forum characterised Doolla’s removal as a temporary measure to facilitate an independent inquiry into the sequence of events leading to the student’s death.

Clarification Issued Amidst Controversy

The Faculty Forum released a statement on September 21 at 3 pm, clarifying that Professor Doolla’s responsibilities as Dean (Administrative Affairs) have only been suspended temporarily. This clarification sought to address ongoing concerns regarding Doolla’s alleged involvement in the circumstances surrounding Wakode’s death.

The statement elicited attention due to rumours suggesting misconduct on Doolla’s part prior to the incident. The Faculty Forum highlighted that the ongoing investigation should focus solely on established facts, condemning what it described as “false and misleading” reports that have reportedly tarnished Doolla’s reputation without basis.

In its communication, the Forum acknowledged the profound sadness stemming from the student’s death while simultaneously defending Professor Doolla’s professional integrity. Through this balanced approach, the Forum emphasised the importance of conducting an impartial investigation into the incident.

Discussion on Institutional Responses to Student Tragedies

The Faculty Forum raised pertinent questions about how educational institutions should navigate responses to incidents of this nature while investigations are ongoing. In its statement, the Forum argued that expressions of sympathy for the deceased and fairness towards individuals under scrutiny should not be viewed as conflicting principles.

This sentiment highlights a complex challenge: how an institution balances the mourning of a tragic event while ensuring that its staff are treated justly and fairly during an inquiry. The Faculty Forum’s position underscores the need for both compassion and accountability within academic environments.

Professor Rajkumar S. Pant, President of the IIT Bombay Faculty Forum, signed the statement, which represents a collective voice of approximately 750 faculty members at the institute. The Forum serves as a formal platform for faculty concerns and facilitates communication between academic staff and institutional bodies.

As the investigation progresses, the faculty remains committed to advocating for fairness and transparency. This situation exemplifies the delicate balance that educational institutions must maintain when addressing the fallout from tragic events that affect students and faculty alike.

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