IIT Bombay student caught using ChatGPT in exam dies by suicide; a protest breaks out on campus | Today’s news
A second-year student from the Department of Energy Sciences and Engineering at IIT Mumbai died by suicide on Friday after he was caught cheating on a mobile phone during an exam.
According to an NDTV report citing the institute, he allegedly uploaded an image of the exam paper to ChatGPT, an artificial intelligence (AI) chatbot, to search for answers.
However, no disciplinary action was taken against the student, officials told NDTV, adding that the course instructor and head of the department had counseled and assured the student that the academic offense would not adversely affect his academic career.
After the interview, the student reportedly returned to his hostel and was found dead in the room later in the evening.
This is the third suicide in six months at the IIT Bombay Powai campus, NDTV reported.
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‘Deeply saddened’
In a statement, IIT Bombay said it was “deeply saddened” by the loss of the student.
“The institute provides support to students, friends, classmates, members of the teaching staff and others affected by this tragic event. The circumstances of the death are being investigated by the relevant authorities,” they added.
An outcry against accountability erupts
The incident sparked protests by students on campus, demanding accountability and transparency from the institute’s administration.
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Pranay, a third-year electrical student, said the protest was driven by a pattern of repeated tragedies. “We gathered to protest — to demand accountability, transparency and answers from our administration.”
He claimed the incident was not the first on campus this year — “Four have happened this year alone and two in the last two months. We have no idea why this is happening, what the reasons behind it all are.”
However, another grieving student, Ansh, said the student’s death should not turn into a stalemate. “We’re all devastated. It’s shocking and heartbreaking. Whatever happened, I feel like he was one of us and one of us was left behind.”
“Students have internal administrative problems”
During discussions between the students and the administration, tight police security was deployed in the campus to control the situation.
DCP Dattatray Nalawade said the investigation into the case is on and the institute administration is holding discussions to reach a solution.
“Today, a student died by suicide at IIT Powai. Subsequently, some IIT students came together and staged a protest to voice their demands. The IIT administration is holding discussions with them to reach an amicable solution,” he said.
“Students have internal administrative issues which the IIT administration has addressed in the past as well and the administration is also actively talking to the students now,” he added.
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Help is available!
Check out the 24×7 toll-free suicide prevention hotlines
Tele-MANAS (Government of India): 14416 / 1800-891-4416
KIRAN Mental Health Helpline (Government): 1800-599-0019
AASRA Helpline: +91-22-27546669
Vandrevala Foundation (Call/WhatsApp): 9999-666-555
Sneha Foundation (Chennai, National Access): 044-24640050
If you or someone else is in immediate danger, please call 112 immediately. Help is always available.
