Professor Dula Sent on Leave Amid Allegations After Student Death

Following the discovery of Sahil Vakoode’s body on September 18, IIT Bombay placed professor Suryanarayan Dula on temporary leave. The faculty member, who acted as an invigilator during the mid‑semester exam, reported that the student had been using a mobile phone in violation of exam rules. After the incident, Dula faced complaints accusing him of encouraging suicide and of caste‑based discrimination. The institute has refrained from detailed comments, stating that a formal inquiry is underway.