Mumbai, September 21, 2026 (Yes Punjab News)
Mumbai Police on Monday detained members of a student organisation and students who gathered outside IIT Bombay to stage a peaceful protest demanding the resignation of Director Shireesh B. Kedare and the arrest of Professor Suryanarayana Doolla in connection with the death of student Sahil Wakode.
The protesters alleged that the institute’s administration had failed to adequately address the circumstances surrounding Wakode’s death. One protester told reporters, “Four murders have happened so far! And the Director says that we will not accept the demands? The director himself is the murderer.”
Earlier in the day, the Mumbai Crime Branch took over the investigation into Wakode’s death. Investigators are examining his mobile phone for a possible suicide note or other digital evidence, as no such note was found in his hostel room.
Amid the protests, IIT Bombay rejected reports claiming that Director Shireesh B. Kedare had resigned following Wakode’s death.
In a post on X, IIT Bombay said, “Director IIT-Bombay has NOT resigned. We categorically state that the related news is false.” Videos purportedly showing Kedare’s resignation had also circulated on social media.
The institute, however, confirmed that Professor Suryanarayana Doolla had been suspended from his position as Dean (Administrative Affairs) with immediate effect.
Kedare said Doolla had been suspended only from his position as Dean and that further action would be taken after the investigation is completed.
IIT Bombay also apologised for statements made in an earlier communication regarding the circumstances surrounding Wakode’s death.
“We apologise for the statements contained in our earlier communication concerning the circumstances surrounding the unfortunate demise of Sahil. The details and circumstances leading up to the incident remain subject to investigation by the appropriate authorities,” the institute said.
The institute added that, in view of the ongoing investigation, it was inappropriate to have characterised details relating to the events preceding Wakode’s death before they had been established through the appropriate investigative process.
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