The Mumbai Crime Branch, which has recorded statements from around 40 people in connection with IIT Bombay student Sahil Wakode’s death, questioned Professor Suryanarayan Doolla on October 2. The statement-recording session lasted between eight and 10 hours.
According to the Crime Branch, Professor Doolla denied the allegations levelled against him, including claims of casteist slurs or other such remarks. Sahil’s parents had accused the professor of making derogatory remarks. During his statement at the IIT Bombay campus in Powai, Doolla maintained that he had followed the institute’s prescribed guidelines and procedures.
The Crime Branch has recorded statements from around 40 people, including Sahil’s classmates, hostel staff and his parents. The agency said the professor’s statement is expected to give momentum to the ongoing investigation.
IIT Bombay Director Shireesh Kedare may also be summoned to record his statement, according to reports.
Sahil Signed ‘Apology Letter’; Institute’s Procedure Does Not List Such a Requirement
According to sources, Sahil had signed an ‘apology letter’ after being asked to leave the examination hall for allegedly cheating using his mobile phone. However, the IIT Bombay examination malpractice procedure from 2015 does not list such a requirement.
Under the procedure, when a student is caught cheating during an examination, the answer sheet and other materials allegedly used for malpractice are to be confiscated, and a new answer sheet is to be issued.
Sahil died by suicide a few hours after the alleged examination malpractice incident. His parents have accused Professor Doolla of making casteist remarks, allegations the professor has denied.
The Mumbai Crime Branch is investigating the case after it was transferred from the Powai Police. Sahil’s two mobile phones, laptop and tablet have been sent to the Forensic Science Laboratory in Kalina for examination. The digital analysis is expected to help investigators establish the sequence of events and examine information relevant to the circumstances surrounding the death of the second-year BTech student.
The Mumbai Police’s Special Investigation Team (SIT) has also sought documents from IIT Bombay.
The Mumbai Police had earlier confirmed that the case was transferred from Powai Police Station to the Crime Branch as DCB CID C.R. No. 124/2026 and is being investigated by an Assistant Commissioner of Police-rank officer under the supervision of the Deputy Commissioner of Police, Detection-I. Investigators have also examined CCTV footage from the examination hall and campus premises to reconstruct the sequence of events.
