Who is Professor Suryanarayana Doolla? IIT Bombay teacher at centre of Sahil Wakode death row

Doolla, whose academic work focuses on power systems, smart grids, microgrids, renewable-energy integration and power-electronics control, was the invigilator during the examination in which Wakode was allegedly found using a mobile phone to upload the question paper to an AI platform.

The controversy intensified after Wakode died by suicide.

His family subsequently alleged harassment and caste-based discrimination, and Doolla was named in an FIR registered by Mumbai Police under provisions of the SC/ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act.

The allegations remain under investigation.

What happened during the examination?

According to IIT Bombay's earlier account, Wakode was allegedly found using his mobile phone during an examination and uploading the question paper to ChatGPT to seek answers.

Doolla was the course instructor and invigilator during the examination.

The institute had said Wakode was subsequently counselled by the instructor and the Head of the Department and assured that the incident would not adversely affect his academic career.

IIT Bombay had also maintained that no disciplinary proceedings had been initiated against him at that stage.

Wakode's family, however, alleged that he faced harassment and caste-based discrimination. The allegations against Doolla have not been established and remain subject to investigation.

Doolla suspended from deanship

Following Wakode's death, students launched protests on the IIT Bombay campus and submitted an 18-point charter of demands, including action against Doolla.

On September 21, IIT Bombay suspended Doolla from his administrative deanship with immediate effect. The institute said any further action would be taken after an investigation.

Doolla continues as a professor and as Head of the Department of Energy Science and Engineering.

The move came after IIT Bombay Director Professor Shireesh Kedare met protesting students and signed their 18-point charter.

Faculty forum backs Doolla

The IIT Bombay Faculty Forum has backed Doolla amid the controversy.

The faculty body said he had been performing his duties as an examination invigilator in accordance with institutional procedures and norms. Faculty members also held a protest on campus in support of him following the suspension of his deanship.

Academic background

Doolla's academic qualifications include:

• B.Tech: Electrical Engineering, Nagarjuna University, 2000
• M.Tech: Energy Systems Engineering, IIT Bombay, 2002
• PhD: Power Systems, IIT Delhi, 2007

Before joining IIT Bombay, he worked with Power Research and Development Consultants in Bengaluru and Machine 2 Machine in Hyderabad.

His career at IIT Bombay

Doolla has held several academic and administrative responsibilities at IIT Bombay.

He served as Dean of Student Affairs from March 2023 and was also associated with student affairs and hostel administration. IIT Bombay's annual report records his appointment as Dean of Student Affairs from March 3, 2023.

He has also been involved in the organisation of major examinations, including JEE (Advanced), UCEED and CEED.

Doolla has received several academic and teaching honours, including the IIT Bombay Young Faculty Award, IIT Bombay Excellence in Teaching Award and the Prof. S. P. Sukhatme Excellence in Teaching Award. He has also received recognition for his research work.

Research and specialisation

Doolla's academic and research interests include power systems, smart grids, microgrids, renewable-energy integration and power-electronics control.

His career at IIT Bombay has combined teaching, research and institutional responsibilities, including work related to student affairs and academic administration.

The investigation into Wakode's death and the allegations made against Doolla are ongoing. The findings of the investigation will determine the circumstances surrounding the examination incident and the events that followed.