Archive · 21 Sep 2026
BJP Leader Backs IIT Bombay Professor Amid Caste Case
An IIT Bombay student named Sahil Wakode died by suicide after he was caught cheating in an exam.
The article says he had used a phone and an AI chatbot to answer questions.
His parents accused the professor involved, Suryanarayana Doolla, of harassment and caste-based insults.
They also alleged that the harassment had continued for several months.
A case was reportedly filed under India’s SC/ST Prevention of Atrocities Act.
Tamil Nadu BJP leader Ananthan Ayyasamy said the law was being misused in this situation.
IIT Bombay faculty members, students, and alumni supported the professor.
The article presents disagreement over whether the case reflects caste discrimination or a dispute arising from academic discipline.
Tamil Nadu BJP leader Ananthan Ayyasamy opposed charges under the SC/ST Act against IIT Bombay professor Suryanarayana Doolla.
The professor allegedly caught BTech student Sahil Wakode using a mobile phone and an AI chatbot during an examination.
Wakode died by suicide in his hostel room on September 18, after which his parents alleged prolonged harassment and casteist slurs.
The Faculty Forum of IIT Bombay, along with students and alumni, expressed support for Doolla and his conduct of academic duties.
Ayyasamy and Zoho founder Sridhar Vembu argued that the SC/ST Act should not be misused in this case.
- Who
- Tamil Nadu BJP leader Ananthan Ayyasamy, IIT Bombay professor Suryanarayana Doolla, student Sahil Wakode, and Wakode’s parents are central to the dispute.
- What
- Ayyasamy opposed invoking the SC/ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act against Doolla following Wakode’s death by suicide and allegations of caste discrimination.
- When
- Wakode died on September 18; his parents made allegations on September 19; Ayyasamy and Vembu posted their views on September 20; the Faculty Forum issued its statement on September 21.
- Where
- The events occurred at the Indian Institute of Technology Bombay in Mumbai, India.
- Why
- Ayyasamy said the charges represented misuse of the SC/ST Act, while Wakode’s parents alleged harassment and casteist insults by the professor.
Supporters of the Allegations
Supporters of the Professor
Whether caste discrimination occurred
Supporters of the Allegations
Wakode’s parents alleged that Doolla mentally harassed their son and used casteist slurs over a three-month period.
Supporters of the Professor
Doolla’s supporters, including IIT Bombay faculty, students, and alumni, said he acted according to academic policy and did not demonstrate caste bias.
Use of the SC/ST Act
Supporters of the Allegations
The reported allegations led to charges under the SC/ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act.
Supporters of the Professor
Ayyasamy and Sridhar Vembu said the Act should not be invoked against Doolla and argued that it was being misused in this case.
Context of the dispute
Supporters of the Allegations
The family’s account linked Wakode’s death to alleged harassment by the professor.
Supporters of the Professor
The professor’s supporters emphasized that he had confronted Wakode over alleged examination cheating; the article also states that no earlier complaint had been filed against Doolla or IIT Bombay director Shireesh Kedare.
- Student
- Sahil Wakode, a second-year BTech student at IIT Bombay
- Professor
- Suryanarayana Doolla, the IIT Bombay faculty member accused by Wakode’s parents
- Reported examination incident
- The article says Wakode was caught using a mobile phone and an AI chatbot during an exam
- Date of death
- September 18
- Legal provision
- The SC/ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act
- Political response
- Ananthan Ayyasamy publicly called for the case against Doolla to be withdrawn
- Institutional support
- The Faculty Forum of IIT Bombay and 22 students and alumni expressed support for Doolla