Suryanarayana Doolla: The IIT Bombay Professor Suspended After Sahil Wakode's Death

Who is Suryanarayana Doolla?

Suryanarayana Doolla is a faculty member in IIT Bombay's Department of Energy Science and Engineering, where he has taught for more than a decade. His research spans power systems, smart grids, microgrids, renewable-energy integration, converter control and energy efficiency, and his institute profile lists numerous publications in these fields.

He holds a B.Tech in Electrical Engineering from Nagarjuna University (2000), an M.Tech in Energy Systems Engineering from IIT Bombay (2002) and a PhD in Power Systems from IIT Delhi (2007). Before joining IIT Bombay, he worked with Power Research and Development Consultants in Bengaluru and Machine 2 Machine in Hyderabad.

How he became central to the case

Doolla's name entered the public eye after the death of 20-year-old IIT Bombay student Sahil Wakode on September 18, 2026. According to the institute, Wakode was allegedly found using a mobile phone during a mid-semester examination and had uploaded the question paper to an AI platform to seek answers.

Doolla was the course instructor and invigilator for that examination, and he was involved in reporting the alleged malpractice to the institute's authorities. IIT Bombay has said Wakode was counselled by the instructor and the Head of Department, and was assured the incident would not adversely affect his academic career. The institute has maintained that no disciplinary action had been initiated against him before his death.

Wakode's family, however, alleged harassment and caste-based discrimination. Acting on their complaint, Mumbai Police registered a case invoking provisions of the SC/ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, naming Doolla among those accused. These allegations remain under investigation.

Suspension and student protests

After Wakode's death, students protested on the IIT Bombay campus and demanded action against Doolla, including his suspension. On September 20, institute Director Prof. Shireesh Kedare met the protesting students and signed an 18-point charter of demands, which included action against Doolla.

Doolla was suspended that evening. At the same time, IIT Bombay's Faculty Forum publicly backed him, stating that he had been performing his duties as an invigilator and had followed the institute's prescribed procedure after detecting the alleged malpractice.

Academic and administrative record

Doolla's association with IIT Bombay extends beyond teaching and research. He has served as Warden of Hostel 6 and later as Dean of Student Affairs, and has been involved in organising major examinations such as JEE Advanced, UCEED and CEED.

His recognitions include the Prof. SP Sukhatme Excellence in Teaching Award (2021), IIT Bombay's Excellence in Teaching Award (2017) and the Young Faculty Award (2009), along with IEEE awards and fellowships. His research has focused on smart-grid and microgrid technologies, distributed energy resources, power-system operation and control, and energy efficiency.

Current status

As of September 21, Doolla remains suspended from IIT Bombay amid the continuing controversy. His suspension and the allegations against him are distinct from the question of criminal liability, and the police investigation into Wakode's death is ongoing. The IIT Bombay Faculty Forum continues to maintain that Doolla was carrying out his academic responsibilities in line with institutional procedure.

The episode involves three separate strands: the examination incident involving Wakode, the allegations made by his family and the resulting police investigation, and the student protests and institutional action against Doolla.

Helplines

Vandrevala Foundation for Mental Health | 9999666555 or help@vandrevalafoundation.com

TISS iCall | 022-25521111 (Monday–Saturday: 8 am to 10 pm)

If you need support or know someone who does, please reach out to your nearest mental health specialist.