2 hrs ago
IIT Bombay Row Spurs Call for Five-Year BTech Programme
A BTech student at IIT Bombay, Sahil Wakode, died in his hostel room.
The death is being investigated as an alleged suicide.
Police are examining what happened after he was reportedly caught using a phone to access ChatGPT during an exam.
A professor, Suryanarayana Doolla, was named in a police complaint alleging that caste discrimination contributed to the death.
The professor has been sent on leave while the investigation takes place.
IIT Bombay has created a 10-member committee to study the circumstances.
Former IIT Delhi director V Ramgopal Rao defended the professor and asked for a fair review.
Rao also suggested giving students up to five years to complete a BTech, with extra learning support for those who need it.
Former IIT Delhi director V Ramgopal Rao defended IIT Bombay professor Suryanarayana Doolla amid criticism.
IIT Bombay formed a 10-member committee to investigate the circumstances surrounding Sahil Wakode’s death.
Doolla was named in an FIR alleging abetment to suicide linked to caste discrimination and was sent on leave.
Rao attributed problems partly to diverse student preparation levels, language challenges and a one-size-fits-all academic model.
He proposed a five-year BTech structure, allowing students to finish earlier or take additional academic support.
- Who
- Sahil Wakode, an IIT Bombay BTech student; professor Suryanarayana Doolla; former IIT Delhi director V Ramgopal Rao; IIT Bombay and Mumbai Police investigators.
- What
- IIT Bombay has launched a committee inquiry into Wakode’s death, while police investigate an FIR naming Doolla and alleging abetment to suicide linked to caste discrimination.
- Where
- IIT Bombay, where Wakode was a second-year BTech student and was found in his hostel room.
- When
- Wakode was found dead on the evening of September 18; IIT Bombay announced the committee on Wednesday.
- Why
- The investigation followed Wakode’s death after he was allegedly caught using a mobile phone to access ChatGPT during a mid-semester examination; Rao also cited academic, preparation and language differences among students.
Defense and Fair Examination
Allegations and Investigation
Treatment of Professor Doolla
Defense and Fair Examination
V Ramgopal Rao said he was disturbed that Doolla was being vilified, described him as a highly principled faculty member, and argued that the concerns should be examined fairly.
Allegations and Investigation
Doolla is named in an FIR alleging abetment to suicide linked to caste discrimination and has been sent on leave while IIT Bombay and police conduct investigations.
Key facts
- Student
- Sahil Wakode, a second-year BTech student at IIT Bombay
- Death
- Wakode was found hanging in his hostel room on the evening of September 18
- Investigation committee
- IIT Bombay appointed a 10-member high-level committee
- Police inquiry
- The Mumbai Police Crime Branch is investigating the death
- Professor’s status
- Suryanarayana Doolla was sent on leave to facilitate an impartial probe
- FIR allegation
- The FIR alleges abetment to suicide on grounds of caste discrimination
- Proposed reform
- Rao suggested a five-year BTech programme, with students able to finish sooner if they meet credit requirements
Quotes
V Ramgopal Rao
Former IIT Delhi director and IIT Bombay alumnus
“I am disturbed to see Prof. Suryanarayana Doolla being vilified over the recent controversy at IIT Bombay. I know Surya personally. He is one of the finest faculty members I have known in the IIT system, and a gentleman of the highest integrity. Whatever concerns have been raised should be examined fairly. A public campaign against an individual serves no one.”
telegraphindia.com
“Those who meet the credit requirements could complete it in four years, or perhaps three and a half. Others could spread out their courses over five years and receive more academic help, including recorded lectures, online material and support with language where needed.”
telegraphindia.com
Sources
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