IIT-Bombay on Monday, 21 September categorically denied circulating reports that its Director, Prof Shireesh B. Kedare, had resigned in the wake of the suicide of second-year BTech student Sahil Wakode, calling the claims false. In the same breath, the institute confirmed that Professor Suryanarayana Doolla had been suspended from his position as Dean (Administrative Affairs) with immediate effect, as the Mumbai Crime Branch pressed forward with its investigation into the 18 September incident.

Institute Denies Resignation Reports

Several videos purportedly showing Director Kedare's resignation had been circulating on social media, prompting the institute to issue a sharp rebuttal. In a post on social media platform X, IIT-Bombay stated: 'Director IIT-Bombay has NOT resigned. We categorically state that the related news is false.' The clarification came as student protests at the Powai campus entered their third consecutive day.

In a separate post, the institute issued an apology for statements made in its earlier communication about the circumstances surrounding Wakode's death. 'We apologise for the statements contained in our earlier communication concerning the circumstances surrounding the unfortunate demise of Sahil,' the institute said, adding that 'the details and circumstances leading up to the incident remain subject to investigation by the appropriate authorities.' It acknowledged that characterising the events preceding the student's death before they had been formally established through investigation was 'inappropriate.'

Dean Suspended, Further Action Pending

Director Kedare confirmed that Prof Doolla — who had been serving as Dean (Administrative Affairs) and was also the course instructor and invigilator during the examination at which Wakode was allegedly caught cheating — has been suspended from the deanship with immediate effect. Kedare assured that further disciplinary action would follow once the investigation concludes.

Notably, the suspension applies only to Doolla's administrative role as Dean; his position as a faculty member is unaffected at this stage. Authorities are expected to issue summonses to individuals named in the First Information Report (FIR), including Doolla, for questioning.

Board of Governors Convenes Special Meeting

Three days after students refused to stand down following the Friday, 18 September suicide, IIT-Bombay's Board of Governors convened a special meeting on Monday to address student grievances. During the session, students presented a list of 18 demands, which included the resignation of Director Kedare. While the board accepted the list, it remained unclear as of Monday evening whether Kedare would step down.

Students at the campus have been in sustained protest, holding the administration responsible for the circumstances surrounding Wakode's death after he was reportedly caught cheating during an examination.

Crime Branch Investigation Under Way

The Mumbai Crime Branch has taken over the probe from local police. Investigators are conducting a technical analysis of Wakode's seized mobile phone, searching for a suicide note or other digital evidence, as no written note was found in his room at Hostel No. 4. The crime scene is also being examined to assess available physical evidence.

The IIT-Bombay Faculty Forum expressed grief over Wakode's death and extended its support to Prof Doolla, describing him as the course instructor and examination invigilator. The Forum conveyed condolences to Wakode's family, saying its thoughts were with them 'during this difficult time.'

What Comes Next

With the Crime Branch investigation ongoing, summonses to named individuals expected shortly, and 18 student demands still unresolved, the situation at IIT-Bombay's Powai campus remains fluid. How the Board of Governors responds to the demand for the Director's resignation in the coming days will be closely watched.