Crime branch to probe IIT-Bombay student death case; faculty forum backs professor named in FIR

The Mumbai Police late on Saturday (September 19, 2026) transferred the probe into the death of a second-year student at IIT-Bombay to the Crime Branch, saying an officer of the rank of Assistant Commissioner of Police will lead the investigation.

On Sunday (September 20, 2026), the Faculty Forum of IIT Bombay expressed condolences to the family of the student but stood by Professor Suryanarayana Doolla, who has been named in the FIR along with other institute officials. The forum said Mr. Doolla discharged his duties in line with academic policies approved by the institute’s Senate.

Referring to the incident during an examination that allegedly led to the death, the forum said Mr. Doolla reported the incident as part of the institute-approved procedure and said it was “absolutely distressed” at the damage done to his reputation.