CNN Central News & Network-ITDC India Epress/ITDC News Bhopal: A second-year B.Tech student of IIT Bombay died by suicide on September 18, triggering protests on the campus and renewed discussion over student welfare and the handling of academic incidents.
According to an official statement from IIT Bombay, the student, from the Department of Energy Science and Engineering, was found using a mobile phone during an examination and had uploaded the question paper to ChatGPT to seek answers. The institute said that no disciplinary action had been initiated against him. It added that the student was counselled by the instructor and the department head and was assured that the incident would not adversely affect his academic career.
More than 400 students reportedly participated in protests following the death. Students raised questions about the institute’s handling of the incident, mental-health support, student representation and campus policies. Some students alleged that the student had been threatened with disciplinary action, a claim that differs from the institute’s official account.
Social media reactions also followed, with Neha Bora and Abhijeet Dipke criticising the broader handling of student welfare and questioning whether educational institutions are adequately addressing pressures faced by students.
IIT Bombay Director Shireesh Kedare said a committee would examine the circumstances surrounding the death as well as the wider concerns raised by students. The police are also investigating the incident.
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