Archive · 21 Sep 2026
Congress Leader Backs IIT Bombay Professor After Student Suicide
Sahil Wakode was an IIT Bombay student who died by suicide after an examination.
His family says he faced caste-based harassment.
They filed a police complaint against Professor Suryanarayana Doolla.
The family’s complaint included allegations under the SC/ST Act and abetment to suicide.
The professor had reportedly accused Wakode of using a phone and uploading exam questions to an AI tool.
Congress spokesperson Shama Mohamed said teachers can normally reprimand students caught cheating.
She publicly supported the professor.
IIT Bombay denied discrimination and said no disciplinary action was taken.
Mohamed also said colleges should provide mental health therapists.
Congress spokesperson Shama Mohamed backed IIT Bombay professor Suryanarayana Doolla after Sahil Wakode’s death by suicide.
Mohamed said reprimanding a student caught cheating and asking him to leave an examination was normal.
Wakode’s family alleged caste-based harassment and filed a complaint naming the professor under the SC/ST Act and for abetment to suicide.
IIT Bombay denied discrimination allegations and said no disciplinary action was taken against Wakode.
The IIT Bombay Faculty Forum supported Doolla, while Mohamed also called for mental health therapists in colleges.
- Who
- Sahil Wakode, Professor Suryanarayana Doolla, Congress spokesperson Shama Mohamed, Wakode’s family, IIT Bombay, and the IIT Bombay Faculty Forum.
- What
- A controversy followed Wakode’s death by suicide after an examination, with allegations of caste-based harassment and public support for the professor involved in the exam incident.
- When
- Wakode died hours after an examination on September 18, 2026.
- Where
- Indian Institute of Technology Bombay in Mumbai.
- Why
- The dispute concerns allegations that Wakode was reported for allegedly using a mobile phone and uploading examination questions to an AI tool, alongside his family’s claims of caste-based harassment.
Family’s Allegations
Professor’s Supporters
Caste-based harassment
Family’s Allegations
Wakode’s family alleged that he faced caste-based harassment and filed a police complaint invoking the SC/ST Act and abetment to suicide provisions against the professor.
Professor’s Supporters
IIT Bombay denied allegations of discrimination, and the IIT Bombay Faculty Forum supported Professor Doolla.
Handling of the examination
Family’s Allegations
The family’s complaint and the ensuing controversy raised questions about the circumstances surrounding Wakode’s death.
Professor’s Supporters
Shama Mohamed said it was normal to admonish a student caught cheating and ask him to leave the examination room.
Student wellbeing
Family’s Allegations
The allegations and student protests have intensified concerns about the circumstances surrounding Wakode’s death.
Professor’s Supporters
Shama Mohamed called for mental health therapists in colleges and said students facing caste-based harassment should approach the SC/ST department.
- Student
- Sahil Wakode
- Professor
- Suryanarayana Doolla
- Institution
- IIT Bombay
- Date of death
- September 18, 2026
- Family’s allegation
- Caste-based harassment
- Institution’s position
- IIT Bombay denied discrimination and said no disciplinary action was taken
- Faculty response
- The IIT Bombay Faculty Forum backed Doolla’s handling of the examination incident