IIT Bombay Professor Suryanarayana Doolla sent on leave for impar

Professor Suryanarayana Doolla has been sent on leave after his removal as dean of Administrative Affairs, with sources saying the step was taken to enable an impartial probe into the alleged suicide of IIT Bombay student Sahil Wakode.

Leave follows removal from dean post

The Indian Institute of Technology Bombay had removed Doolla as dean of Administrative Affairs on Monday (September 21, 2026) following protests over the student’s suicide.

Sources said on Wednesday (September 23, 2026) that Doolla, an accused in the case, was sent on leave after being removed from the dean post.

They also said no classes are currently underway.

The move is significant because it comes amid demands for action and while investigators examine the circumstances of Wakode’s death.

Crime Branch investigating death

The Mumbai Crime Branch is currently investigating Wakode’s death.

Wakode, 22, was a second-year B.Tech student in the Department of Energy Science and Engineering.

According to officials, he was found dead in his hostel room on the evening of September 18.

Case registered against Doolla

A case on charges of suicide abetment and caste discrimination has been registered against Doolla.

Wakode’s mother on Tuesday (September 22, 2026) claimed he had told them that he was tortured, abused, and humiliated based on his caste.

His parents have demanded the immediate arrest of IIT Bombay Director Professor Shirish Kedare and Prof. Doolla.

The leave order, as described by sources, places Doolla away from his role while the probe continues and after the institute had already acted by removing him from the dean’s post.

Source: The Hindu