The Faculty Association of IIT Madras has issued a strong statement calling for a fair and transparent investigation into the tragic death of Sahil Wakode, an undergraduate student at IIT Bombay. The association emphasized the critical importance of faculty members being able to uphold examination integrity without fear of personal attacks or vilification.
Call for Fair and Transparent Inquiry
The statement, released on Monday, extended condolences to Wakode’s family, friends, and classmates. It urged for a fair, transparent, and time-bound inquiry into the circumstances surrounding his death, which occurred on September 18. Wakode allegedly died by suicide after reportedly being found with a smartphone during a mid-semester examination earlier that day.
Professor Suryanarayana Doolla, who was serving as the invigilator during the exam, has since faced serious allegations. Wakode's father approached the police, accusing Doolla of caste-based discrimination and harassment. Consequently, an FIR was registered against the professor, alleging abetment of suicide and invoking the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act.
Upholding Exam Integrity Without Fear
The IIT Madras association highlighted the IIT Bombay Faculty Forum's statement, which asserted that Prof. Doolla acted in accordance with the institute's Senate-approved academic procedures. "Faculty members across the IIT system are entrusted with upholding the integrity of examinations, and they must be able to discharge this responsibility in good faith, following established institutional procedure, without fear of personal vilification," the IIT Madras statement read.
The association further stressed that any inquiry into the incident must be conducted by appropriate institutional and legal authorities with full respect for the dignity of the student and his family. They appealed for restraint, cautioning against premature conclusions, media trials, and speculation, including on social media, which could cause lasting harm and hinder justice.
Support for Students and Due Process
Beyond the immediate investigation, the IIT Madras Faculty Association also called for an examination into whether existing institutional procedures for handling academic malpractice provide adequate support, counselling, and safeguards for students experiencing acute stress. The association underscored that such sensitive situations require handling with both "integrity and compassion."
An appeal was made to all stakeholders—students, faculty, administration, media, and the public—to show sensitivity and allow the established process to determine the facts. The association concluded by expressing solidarity with their colleague at IIT Bombay, as well as with the students and families of all IIT institutions, recognizing their well-being and trust as foundational to the institutions' mission.