In the wake of the suicide of student Sahil Ravindra Wakode at the Indian Institute of Technology Bombay, Faculty Forum President Professor Dr. Rajkumar S. Pant has stepped forward to defend Professor Suryanarayana Dulla. He affirmed that the professor merely enforced institutional protocols after catching the student using a mobile phone inside the examination hall. Furthermore, Pant addressed allegations of caste discrimination, stating that no official complaint had been lodged by the student with the institute's SC/ST cell.
Concerns Over Hasty Public Judgments Before Official Findings
Expressing deep distress over the loss of a young student, Professor Rajkumar Pant stressed that the institute community is deeply shaken by the tragedy. However, he raised sharp concerns regarding the public rush to take sides and form rigid opinions before the official investigation concludes and brings out the verified facts. He urged everyone to refrain from making assertions rooted purely in unverified assumptions.
Addressing the intense discourse unfolding across digital forums, Pant warned that trial by social media poses a serious challenge to academic functioning. He observed that if educators are subjected to public vilification simply for upholding examination guidelines, carrying out routine teaching and student evaluation responsibilities will become increasingly difficult for faculty members.
No Grievance Found with SC/ST Cell
Responding to accusations of systemic prejudice, Professor Pant outlined the grievance redressal structure at the campus. Like other premier technical universities, IIT Bombay operates a dedicated SC/ST cell to protect student interests. Pant noted that he consulted Deputy Director Professor Ravindra Gudi to examine the background of the allegations.
According to the information shared by the Deputy Director, the SC/ST cell had issued a notice clarifying that Sahil had not approached the cell at any point during the preceding three to four months. No formal complaint had been registered, and records indicated that the student had not approached the cell informally regarding any grievances or distress during that period.
Institutional Protocol and Past Administrative Track Record
Highlighting the academic standing of Professor Suryanarayana Dulla, Professor Pant explained that instructors are required to operate strictly within established institutional rules. Dulla previously served as Dean of Student Affairs and currently occupies the office of Dean of Academic Affairs, with a reputation on campus for advocating student welfare.
Pant stated that expecting malicious or discriminatory conduct from an academic with such a service record lacks merit. He added that invigilators are occasionally required to implement strict disciplinary measures when irregularities occur, which was the case here. Acknowledging that an FIR has been registered and the Mumbai Crime Branch is heading the investigation, Pant noted that the law should take its course without outside interference.
Duty Toward Fair Examinations and Academic Integrity
Emphasizing the importance of fair evaluations, Professor Pant stated that the use of unfair means or unauthorized devices in an examination is completely unacceptable under university regulations. Overlooking a blatant breach of rules would be deeply unfair to students who appear for examinations honestly and adhere strictly to guidelines.
An instructor carries a non-negotiable obligation to protect the credibility of academic assessments for the entire student body. Taking corrective action when exam protocols are broken is an integral part of that professional duty, rather than an act of personal malice.
Questions Over the Authenticity of Alleged Remarks
Addressing allegations that derogatory comments were made against the student, Professor Pant pointed out the absence of outside witnesses at the scene. When the incident occurred in the examination room, neither external students nor the student's parents were present, nor was Pant himself there.
Under circumstances where only the candidates taking the test and the invigilators were present inside the hall, Pant argued that it is impossible for external commentators to confirm whether the alleged comments were ever uttered, making such public claims completely unsubstantiated.
Competitive Stress and Campus Support Infrastructure
Professor Pant acknowledged that gaining admission to an IIT is exceptionally challenging, creating an intense, highly competitive environment. Students often navigate complex psychological pressures, internal stress, and academic expectations, where an isolated negative encounter can sometimes trigger deeper underlying distress.
At the same time, he pointed out that IIT Bombay has instituted support mechanisms to address these challenges. The campus maintains operational wellness cells and routinely conducts awareness sessions and sensitization initiatives to assist students facing emotional or psychological strain.
Advocacy for Reforms and Call for Impartial Probe
Concluding his defense, Professor Pant highlighted that Professor Dulla has long been recognized among colleagues and alumni as a proponent of progressive student reforms. Those who have interacted with him in administrative and academic settings consistently describe him as an educator deeply invested in student progress.
With the Mumbai Crime Branch currently conducting its probe, the Faculty Forum reiterated that definitive conclusions should await the formal submission of investigative findings. The statement follows broader expressions of support from faculty bodies at other sister institutions seeking an impartial inquiry into the incident.
