IIT-Bombay Student Death Probe: Crime Branch Records Prof Doolla’s Statement

According to reports, Wakode’s parents had alleged in their complaint that their son faced harassment from the professor. Investigators questioned Doolla about his interaction with Wakode during an examination on September 18 and the events that followed.

Doolla told investigators that he had followed IIT-Bombay’s prescribed procedures and guidelines while dealing with the student, according to reports. The Crime Branch is continuing to examine witness accounts, CCTV footage and other evidence as it reconstructs the circumstances preceding Wakode’s death.

The investigation has so far included statements from students, faculty members and other institute staff. Police are also examining CCTV footage from the examination hall, which reportedly captures Doolla approaching Wakode and asking him to leave the hall after an incident involving the alleged use of a phone during the examination.

The circumstances surrounding the examination have become a central part of the investigation. IIT-Bombay had earlier said that Wakode was allegedly found using a mobile phone to upload the question paper to ChatGPT for answers. However, reporting on the case has also raised questions about precisely what device Wakode was using and what occurred inside the examination hall. The Crime Branch is examining the available evidence rather than drawing a final conclusion at this stage.

Wakode’s family has alleged that he had faced discrimination and harassment. His father, Ravindra Wakode, had said his son had spoken to him about alleged discriminatory treatment by the professor. These allegations are part of the ongoing investigation and have not been established by the police.

The case has also triggered protests among students at IIT-Bombay, with demonstrators seeking an independent investigation and greater accountability from the institute.

The IIT-Bombay Faculty Forum had earlier expressed support for Doolla, arguing that he was carrying out his responsibilities as an examination supervisor when the incident occurred. However, some faculty members subsequently questioned the Forum's response and called for equal consideration of the student's family and the professor while the investigation remains underway.

The Crime Branch is expected to continue questioning people connected with the case, while investigators examine CCTV footage and other available evidence to establish the sequence of events before Wakode’s death. The investigation remains ongoing, and no final finding has been announced regarding the allegations against Doolla.