A First Information Report (FIR) was filed against the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) in Bombay on Saturday over the alleged death by suicide of a student, hours after he was pulled up for using a mobile phone during an examination.
According to the police, the institute has been booked under section 108 (abetment of suicide) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, and provisions of the Scheduled Caste and the Scheduled Tribe (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, 1989.
There was no immediate comment from IIT-Bombay on the FIR at the time of filing this report.
The development came amid massive protests by students, who alleged the victim was asked to leave the examination hall and threatened with disciplinary action, including suspension. IIT-Bombay earlier refuted the charges and said the student was assured that the incident would not have any adverse impacts on his career.
Also Read | IIT-Bombay student found dead hours after being pulled from exam over 'ChatGPT use'
The deceased's parents also arrived at the campus, seeking justice for him. "We need justification for our son's death. He was our only child. He was not someone who would give up. He was a fighter and came from a very poor background. Until we get an explanation for his death, we will not leave the main gate. We are ready to face any action from the authorities and will fight for justice for our son," the student’s parents said.
{{/usCountry}}The deceased's parents also arrived at the campus, seeking justice for him. "We need justification for our son's death. He was our only child. He was not someone who would give up. He was a fighter and came from a very poor background. Until we get an explanation for his death, we will not leave the main gate. We are ready to face any action from the authorities and will fight for justice for our son," the student’s parents said.
{{/usCountry}}The parents have sought the arrest of the IIT-Bombay director Shireesh Kedare and Dean of Student Affairs Satyanarayan Dulla, and decided not to take the student’s body to their hometown till their demands are met.
This is the third case of student suicide on the Powai campus this year.
Also Read | ‘He was a fighter’: Parents of IIT-Bombay student who was found dead after ChatGPT row
In the latest case, the second-year student was found dead in his hostel room on Friday evening.
According to his classmates, he was allegedly caught looking at another student’s answer sheet during an exam and subsequently asked to leave the hall. They also alleged he was threatened with disciplinary action, including suspension.
Refuting the claims, IIT-Bombay said in a statement on Friday evening: “No disciplinary action was initiated against the student.” It said the student had been found uploading the question paper on ChatGPT, on his mobile phone during the examination. It added that the matter was discussed with the student by the instructor and the head of the department, who counselled him and assured him that the incident would not adversely affect his academic career.
“IIT Bombay is deeply saddened by the loss of a student. The Institute is extending support to the student’s friends, classmates, faculty members, and others affected by this tragic incident,” they said in a statement.
Also Read | 'No action initiated': IIT Bombay refutes claims on student's death after ChatGPT row
The institute added that authorities were looking into the circumstances surrounding the student’s death.
On Saturday morning, more than 100 students gathered at the main gate, demanding justice and answers from the institute's administration. Student organisations also appealed to students to join the protest.
People familiar with the details said the student was an international skating and badminton player. He studied in Yavatmal till class 10 before moving to Nagpur for JEE preparation.
Deputy commissioner of police (DCP) Dattatray Nalawade said: “The students have internal administrative issues which the IIT administration has addressed in the past as well, and the administration is actively speaking with the students right now too.”
He added that while some protesters had dispersed, others remained on the ground as talks continued. "Some students are still protesting, and efforts are being made to speak with them as well," he was quoted as saying by news agency ANI.
(With inputs from Niraj Pandit in Mumbai)
Disclaimer: Discussing suicides can be triggering for some. However, suicides are preventable. If you need support or know someone who does, please reach out to your nearest mental health specialist.
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Deep Dive
What led to the FIR against IIT Bombay regarding the student's death?
Why do the parents believe discrimination at IIT Bombay contributed to their son's death?
How is IIT Bombay addressing students' mental health following the incident?
This is a developing story. More details awaited.