An FIR has been registered against the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Bombay following the death of a second-year student, amid allegations that he was subjected to disciplinary threats after being caught using a mobile phone to upload a question paper on ChatGPT during an examination. The case was registered on Saturday under Section 108 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, pertaining to abetment of suicide, along with provisions of the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, 1989.
The student was found dead in his hostel room on Friday evening. His death triggered protests on campus, with students demanding an explanation from the institute and alleging that he had been asked to leave the examination hall and threatened with disciplinary action, including suspension.
In a statement issued on Friday, the institute said “no disciplinary action was initiated against the student”. It said he had been found using his mobile phone to upload an examination question paper on ChatGPT.
According to the institute, the matter was discussed with the student by the instructor and head of department. They allegedly counselled him and assured him that the incident would not have any adverse impact on 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,” the institute said. The administration also said it was examining the circumstances surrounding the student’s death.
However, the incident sparked renewed anger among students. More than 100 students gathered outside the institute’s main gate on Saturday, demanding justice and answers. Student organisations also called on others to join the protests.
The student’s parents reached the campus and demanded accountability. They have sought the arrest of the IIT Bombay Director and Dean of Student Affairs and said they would not take their son’s body back to their hometown until their demands were addressed. “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,” his parents said. “We are ready to face any action from the authorities and will fight for justice for our son,” they added.
Classmates have alleged that the student was caught looking at another student’s answer sheet during the examination before being asked to leave the hall. IIT Bombay, however, maintains that the issue involved the use of a mobile phone to upload the question paper on ChatGPT and that no formal disciplinary proceedings were initiated.
People familiar with the student’s background said he was an accomplished international-level skating and badminton player. He had studied in Yavatmal until Class 10 before moving to Nagpur to prepare for the JEE. The death is reportedly the third student suicide on the Powai campus this year.
Mumbai Police officials said discussions were continuing between the administration and protesting students. Deputy Commissioner of Police Dattatray Nalawade said the students had raised internal administrative concerns which the institute had addressed in the past. “The administration is actively speaking with the students right now too,” Nalawade said. He added that while some protesters had left the site, others continued their demonstration as efforts were made to resolve the situation.
