'I Followed Guidelines, Never Used Casteist Words': IIT Bombay Professor
Professor Suryanarayan Doolla denies caste-based harassment allegations during an 8-hour interrogation by the Mumbai Crime Branch.
In a major development regarding the tragic death of a student at the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Bombay, Professor Suryanarayan Doolla has formally denied all allegations of caste-based harassment. During an intensive interrogation by the Mumbai Crime Branch, the professor maintained that his interactions with the deceased student were strictly professional and in line with institutional protocols.
An Eight-Hour Interrogation
The Mumbai Crime Branch conducted a marathon questioning session on Friday at the IIT Bombay campus in Powai. Sources indicate that Professor Doolla was questioned for approximately eight to ten hours as investigators attempt to piece together the circumstances leading up to the student's death.
During his recorded statement, the professor addressed the core accusations brought forward by the victim's family. He explicitly stated that he had never used any caste-based or derogatory language during his interactions with the student. Furthermore, he asserted that he had strictly adhered to the guidelines and procedures prescribed by the institute while dealing with the student in question.
The Background of the Case
The investigation stems from the death of Sahil Wakode, a second-year student at IIT Bombay, who died by suicide on September 18. Following the incident, Wakode's family leveled serious allegations against the institute, claiming that the student had been subjected to both mental harassment and caste-based discrimination.
Professor Doolla was specifically named by the family as one of the individuals involved in the alleged harassment. These claims have turned the focus of the investigation toward the academic environment and the treatment of students within the prestigious institution.
Ongoing Investigation and Evidence Collection
The Mumbai Crime Branch, which took over the probe from the Powai Police, is currently conducting a multi-faceted investigation. The scope of the inquiry includes:
- Digital Evidence: Investigators are scrutinizing digital footprints and communications related to the student and the faculty members involved.
- Witness Statements: Authorities have been questioning various students, faculty members, and staff connected to the case to build a comprehensive timeline.
- Comparative Analysis: The Crime Branch is expected to carefully examine Professor Doolla's statement alongside the testimonies of other witnesses and the physical evidence collected so far.
As the investigation remains underway, the authorities are working to determine whether the allegations of systemic harassment hold weight or if the professor's claims of following institutional guidelines are accurate.