IIT Bombay Dean Suspended After Student Suicide Linked to Exam Cheating
IIT Bombay professor Suryanarayana Doolla was suspended from his dean role pending investigation after a 20-year-old student died by suicide following allegations of phone-assisted cheating during an exam.
Suryanarayana Doolla, a professor in IIT Bombay's Department of Energy Science and Engineering, was acting as invigilator for a mid-semester examination on September 18 when he observed a candidate using a smartphone and accessing an AI platform for answers. The same student, aged 20, was found dead by suicide later that afternoon. In response, Mumbai Police registered a first-one outlet's report naming Doolla and additional staff members.
The institute swiftly suspended Doolla from his post as Dean (Student Affairs). Students and faculty have issued statements expressing condolences to the family while also supporting Doolla, alleging that the allegations against him are unfounded.
Why it matters
The case raises concerns about exam integrity, mental health support, and administrative accountability in Indian higher education.
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