‘Rise Above Differences, Avoid Politics’: Pan-IIT Alumni Urge Unity Amid Student Suicide Row

Last Updated:September 22, 2026, 9:28 PM IST

The organisation said IIT’s strength lay in its unwavering focus on excellence and stressed the importance of constructive dialogue and resolution of concerns with empathy.

Sahil Wakode (22), a second-year BTech student in the Department of Energy Science and Engineering, was found hanging in his hostel room on the Powai campus on September 18. (Photo: X)

The PanIIT Alumni India has issued a statement on the controversy surrounding IIT Bombay student Sahil Wakode’s suicide, calling for constructive dialogue and resolution of concerns with empathy and fairness amid allegations of caste discrimination against Professor Suryanarayana Doolla.

PanIIT Alumni India (PIAI), the umbrella organisation representing alumni of all 23 Indian Institutes of Technology, condoled the death of Wakode and expressed solidarity with the entire IIT Bombay community at this difficult time.

“As a community that owes its very existence to the IIT systemwe believe that our campuses must remain spaces of learning, mutual respect, and shared purpose. We urge all stakeholders—students, faculty, administration, and alumni—to engage in constructive dialogue, resolve concerns with empathy and fairness, and ensure that the dignity of every individual is upheld,” it said.

The organisation said IIT’s strength lay in its unwavering focus on excellence. “At this critical juncture, it is imperative that we rise above differences, avoid any form of politics within our campuses, and work together to strengthen the reputation and global standing of our institutions.”

PanIIT reaffirmed its role as a partner in fostering holistic campus growth aligned with the Prime Minister’s vision of Viksit Bharat 2047, aiming to build institutions that are both globally ranked and deeply humane.

What Happened?

Sahil Wakode, 22, a second-year BTech student in the Department of Energy Science and Engineering, was found hanging in his hostel room on the Powai campus on September 18 eveninghours after he was allegedly caught using a mobile phone to access ChatGPT during a mid-semester examination.

The incident triggered protests by students and political activists. A case relating to abetment and caste discrimination was subsequently registered against Professor Suryanarayana Doollawho was subsequently removed from his position as Dean of Administrative Affairs.

However, several IIT alumni have rejected the allegations against Professor Doolla, and the Crime Branch’s preliminary investigation has so far found no evidence against Doolla. However, Wakode’s father alleged that his son was subjected to harassment over his castewhile rejecting allegations of cheating.

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What is the PanIIT Alumni India’s response to the IIT Bombay student suicide controversy?

PanIIT Alumni India issued a statement expressing condolences and solidarity with the IIT Bombay community while urging stakeholders to avoid campus politics, engage in constructive dialogue, and resolve concerns with fairness and empathy.

What led to the case being registered against Professor Suryanarayana Doolla at IIT Bombay?

A case of abetment and caste discrimination was registered against Professor Doolla after a second-year BTech student died by suicide hours after being allegedly caught using a smartphone for ChatGPT access during an exam.

How did the IIT Bombay administration respond to the protests following the student’s death?

Following three days of student demonstrations, the IIT Bombay administration agreed to an 18-point charter of demands submitted by protesters, with Director Prof Shireesh Kedare signing the agreement during a meeting.

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Aveek Banerjee

Aveek Banerjee is a Senior Sub Editor at News18. Based in Noida with a Master’s in Global Studies, Aveek has more than three years of experience in digital media and news curation, specialising in int…Read More

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