Mumbai
oi-Ashish Rana
A second-year student of Energy Science and Engineering at IIT Bombay allegedly died by suicide on Friday, 18 September. His death forced a protest by students outside the main gate of ITT Bombay. Now the students are asking for the answers from the administration about what happened before his death.
An IIT Bombay student died by suicide on September 18; the institute stated he was caught using a mobile phone during an exam to upload a question paper to ChatGPT, was counselled, and faced no disciplinary action, while protesting students sought administrative answers.
Student Dies After Examination
According to some students in the protest, the incident took place after an examination. They made the claim that the student was caught looking at another student’s answer sheet and was asked to leave the examination hall.
Students also mentioned that he was told that he could face disciplinary action, including suspension. However, IIT Bombay has disputed this account.
In a statement issued by ITT Bombay on Friday evening, the institute said that the student was found using mobile phone during the examination. They said that the student uploaded the question paper on ChatGPT to seek answers.
IIT Bombay Says No Disciplinary Action Was Taken
IIT Bombay said that matter was discussed with student by the instructor and the head of the department. “No disciplinary action was initiated against the student,” IIT Bombay said.
The institute also made it clear that the student was counselled and made sure that he would not face any effect on his academic career. Then the student returned to his hostel room, however, later he was found dead in the evening.
Students Protest At Main Gate
The death of the student, followed by students gathered outside the main gate and started raising slogans. They asked for a meeting with the institute director and asking the clarity about the matter. Police were called in the later night as the protest continued.
IIT Bombay Expresses Condolences
“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.
IIT Bombay added that authorities were looking into the circumstances surrounding the student’s death.
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