IIT-Bombay charged with abetment of suicide after student's death in ChatGPT-linked exam row

IIT-Bombay earlier said the student was assured that the incident would not have any adverse impacts on his career.

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.

The crowd at IIT-Bombay on Saturday. (Satish Bate/HT)

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.

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.

In a statement after the incident, IIT-Bombay said it would “cooperate fully with the authorities”, while requesting everyone to respect the aggrieved family's privacy. “We ask that people refrain from speculation as the investigation proceeds,” it said. The institute had earlier refuted the charges against it and said the student was assured that the incident would not have any adverse impacts on his career.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Helplines: Aasra: 022 2754 6669; Sneha India Foundation: +914424640050 and Sanjivini: 011-24311918, Roshni Foundation (Secundrabad) Contact Nos: 040-66202001, 040-66202000; ONE LIFE: Contact No: 78930 78930, SEVA: Contact No: 0944177829.

This is a developing story. More details awaited.